After the announcement of the day for this year’s national elections, by the President of this republic a week ago in parliament, we are two months and five days away from that date. As the campaign trains accelerate more towards the 24th October 2014 date, there are a variety of issues that are likely to shape and define the political rallies’ messages. This week I want to briefly list and discuss some of those issues and the potential impact they may have in the voters’ minds and the subsequent choices they will make in voting for both individuals and different political parties.
The issues I will discuss in this piece are my own choice and reflect what I think may be key issues, or at least some of the main elections campaign issues. These are, in no order of importance, the much reported activities of the Head of the Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS), the alleged existence of a “hit list”, the passing on of president of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Vice President of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Gomolemo Motswaledi and statements by former presidents of this republic, Sir Quett K. J. Masire and Festus G. Mogae.
Let me mention that all these issues would be discussed in the context of their meaning to this country’s degree of practices with respect to known and accepted principles of good governance and modern democratic values. Amongst these principles and values are integrity and accountability of a government, openness of the governance structures and their ethical and moral grounded behaviour and, observance and adherence to the dictates of nationally and globally accepted practices of the rule of law. The much reported activities of the Director General of the DIS and reports that he is being investigated by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime over a number of allegedly questionable practices may have implications on the choices voters will make come election day. This is so because if any of the reported incidents has any substance or even if these remain perceptions, the public will make judgements as to the credibility of the government and the party in power.
A lot of the issues reported seem to violate all known practices of ethical conduct by public servants, accountable behaviour, respect for procedures and regulations covering the general behaviour of persons employed in the public service. It also brings to question the expected responsibilities and roles of appointing authorities on situations such as this particular one. The general expectation is that any time a public official (elected or appointed) is alleged to have acted in any manner conflicting known acceptable practices, especially when such individuals are a subject of investigation, the appointing authority should rein on such to vacate their positions and clear their names in the courts of law, assuming that the individual fails to voluntarily resign.
Currently none of the two above as unfolded listening to various politicians from various political parties, a lot is been branded about the need for a clean and accountable government, where practices such as being linked to corrupt practices are not going to be tolerated. To this end, one would expect this particular issue to have some role on the voter’s minds irrespective of how it unfolds in the long term.
Secondly, there is common talk of existence of a hit list which has names of mainly politicians from the opposition parties earmarked to be targeted for either harassment of even elimination before the 24th of October, 2014. This has a potential to be a key election issue because it is probably a new development in our known competitions for political power and the extent of the truth of this can act to influence voters depending on what details confirming or discrediting this perception between now and Election Day. The death of BMD president and UDC Vice President, Sir G, seems to have fuelled the belief of a hit list being actually in place and pending any contrary revelations from reports of the investigations undertaken to confirm or rule out any foul play on Sir G’s death, the public will continue to debate the various conspiracy theories about this unfortunate death. Again, irrespective of the outcome of the reports, I expect this issue to play some role in the remaining campaigns.
Lastly, we have seen a huge outcry and public debate following the speeches/statements by former presidents Sir Q. K. J. Masire and F. G. Mogae, where they seem to have out bolted from their stable. The much publicised address by Rre Masire at the funeral of Sir G, is a trend that has had various interpretations, ranging from a supposed implicit if not explicit endorsement of the UDC to implying that the ruling is failing the nation and opposition parties must rescue the long entrenched democratic practices. Rre Mogae’s statement in Tanzania a few days after Rre Masire’s statement acted to even muddy the waters more. These statements and their interpretation as attacks on the current government are likely to have major impacts on election debates and choices at the polls. We have former presidents literally bursting out with an indication of having been bottled in for too long and finally getting an opportunity to pour out as it were. This may suggest that whilst they remain intrinsically linked to our current democratic status as former presidents, they are saying current trends are a major shift from what they know to be the cherished ideals and values of a democracy they both led in the past.
It may also be statements to say the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has not engaged the two former president enough to not only retain their relevance to current trends in our democracy, but also to bounce off major policy shifts that seeks to redefine the manner and practice of our governance pursuits. We do hear that the BDP is obviously not impressed with the two former presidents and it is even considering summoning them for hearing to explain their utterances. If these statements don’t enter the campaign issues’ list, then nothing is likely to, they are a major shift from the norm worthy of debate, interpretation of sorts and giving meaning to the future of Botswana as a democracy of note with integrity, acceptable accountability and open practices, as well as respect and promotion of the rule of law that guarantees citizens of known freedoms of association and expression, among others.
