ELECTION UPDATE 2004 BOTSWANA
number 3 17 January 2005
contents Introduction 1 Free and Fair Elections 2 How the International Press Saw the October Poll 2 New Cabinet 3 Botswana Election Audit 4 Election Results 7 Opposition Party Unity in the Making 16 Parliament Adjourns 18 References 19
Compiled by
Sechele Sechele
EISA Editorial Team Jackie Kalley, Khabele Matlosa, Denis Kadima
Published with the assistance of NORAD and OSISA
Introduction executive secretary of the Section 65A of the Constitution Independent Electoral of Botswana in 1997 (see Botswana has now been Commission of Botswana Constitution Amendment Act independent for more than 38 (IEC), Mr Gabriel Seeletso. No.18 of 1997); which also years, with one party at the provides for the composition of helm – the Botswana In an interview in his office and the Commission. Democratic Party (BDP). a week after having a week- Elections are held every five long meeting with the The Commission consists of a years in this land-locked, Independent Electoral chairperson (Justice Judge diamond-rich and peaceful state Commission of Botswana; John. Mosojane), deputy and they are always declared Seeletso has expressed chairman (Private Attorney free and fair. The 30 October complete satisfaction with the Omphemetsee Motumisi), and 2004 general elections in performance of his staff and the five other members appointed Botswana were no exception. Commission in correctly and by the Judicial Service competently conducting the Commission from a list of For purposes of this update on 2004 general elections. persons recommended by the the aftermath of the elections, The Independent Electoral All Party Conference. we start by speaking to the Commission was established by election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
As stipulated in Section 65A, • to ensure that elections are seats in a general election. the chairperson of the conducted efficiently, Sworn back into office with the Commission is a judge of the properly, freely and fairly. endorsement of MPs, the High Court and the deputy • to give instructions and country's president, Festus chairperson, a legal directives to the Secretary Mogae, will keep his job until practitioner. Both chairperson of the Commission in 2008. He has promised, again, and the deputy chairperson are regard to the exercise of his to fight poverty and Botswana's appointed by the Judicial functions under the worst scourge, AIDS... - The Service Commission. Constitution and Electoral Economist (UK) Laws generally Botswana has just held its Section 66 of the Constitution • to perform such other elections that, as expected, provides for the appointment of functions as Parliament were won in a landslide by the the Secretary of the may by law prescribe. ruling Botswana Democratic Independent Electoral The Commission stands Party, which has reigned in the Commission who shall be the dissolved at the last dissolution diamond-rich country since Chief Executive Officer. The of every two successive lives of independence in 1966. The poll Secretary is appointed by the Parliament or ten years. has been declared free and fair. President and responsible for: After the results were made • management and Free and Fair Elections administration of the known, there were no rumblings of discontent, no Commission Missions directly and indirectly marching in the streets by • implementation of the representing the disgruntled voters, no burning decisions of the Commonwealth, EISA, the Commission of effigies, no calls for a European Parliament, the recount, and no threats of a • supervision of the European Union, and the coup d'etat. In other words, it registration of voters Southern African Development was mature democracy at work. • conduct of Presidential and Community (SADC) - The Star (South Africa) National Assembly Parliamentary Forum presented elections their preliminary findings soon The U.S. is unable to do what • conduct of elections to after the October 30 poll. countries like Botswana, a local authorities, namely; All of them applauded the southern African nation of 1.6 councils. professionalism of polling million people, are capable of station staff, a secure and doing: delivering election The Secretary is assisted by transparent voting process, results within a day. 'Americans such staff as the Commission although some of them and the rest of us will be may appoint. The Commission commented negatively on the surprised that a country that is an autonomous, non-partisan balanced coverage of election sent a man to the moon 30 body whose primary purpose is campaigns in the public media years ago can't give us the to conduct free, fair and correct and the fact that the winner- results of an election on the elections efficiently and take-all or first past the post same day,' said Klas Eklund, effectively in accordance with electoral system used in chief economist at SEB AB, the the best electoral principles and Botswana tends to favour the third-biggest Nordic bank by practices. Section 65A of the ruling party over the opposition assets in Stockholm and a Constitution of Botswana also political parties. former adviser to the Swedish defines the functions of the government. On Oct. 30, the Commission as follows: How the International ruling party in Botswana was • to conduct and supervise Press Saw the October Poll re-elected, winning 44 out of 57 elections of the elected parliamentary seats in a members of the National Africa's longest-running multi- country where average income Assembly and members of party democracy notched up is less than 10 percent of the a Local Authority. another success last week when U.S. • to conduct a Referendum Botswana's voters gave the The opposition accepted the ruling Botswana Democratic results that evening. Observers Party 44 of parliament's 57 at the Stockholm- based
2 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
International Institute for Congress Party and Dick The new Cabinet was named Democracy and Electoral Bayford, who leads the newly the following week, so that the Assistance [IDEA] said the founded New Democratic Executive and Legislatives election was fair... 'There are Front. branches of government could, three basic good practices for without delay, move an election: a national system According to Section 32 of the collectively forward in of voting, clear rules that are Botswana Constitution, the fulfilling their public mandates. decided in advance, and an Chief Justice should declare honest broker to decide one of the four presidential New Cabinet disputes,' said Therese Pearce candidates the winner as soon Laanela, senior program as his party wins more than half On the morning of 9 November officer at IDEA, who has of the 57 seats available in 2004, President Mogae advised governments in 14 Parliament. Four of the seats announced his new Cabinet, nations on how to set up an are Constitutionally provided with the exception of the new electoral system. 'Botswana for as specially elected by Assistant Minister of Finance, follows them. What's so Parliament after it seats for the who was only sworn in on 11 surprising is that the U.S. still first time. November. The final and full doesn't. - Bloomberg (USA) membership of the new Cabinet Parliamentarians met early in is therefore: Election Results and New November to specially elect Government four additional Members. Minister of Finance and During the voting, the Development Planning Final election returns confirmed President's nominees - Mrs. Mr. Baledzi Gaolathe with Mr. that the ruling Botswana Duncan Mlazie as Assistant Minister. Moggie Mbaakanyi, Mrs. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Democratic Party (BDP) had Margaret Nasha, Prof. Sheila International Cooperation won 44 seats, the opposition Tlou, and Mr. Botsalo Ntuane - Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe Botswana National Front were all elected with the firm Minister of Environment, Wildlife (BNF) 12 seats, with one seat and Tourism support of the BDP Mr. Onkokame Kitso Mokaila going to the opposition Parliamentary Caucus. Minister of Communications, Botswana Congress Party Science and Technology (BCP). Mrs. Pelonomi Venson Anticipated highlights during Minister of Presidential Affairs and Mogae was declared President- the following week included Public Administration elect by the returning officer of the convening of the First Mr. Phandu T.C. Skelemani Minister of Trade and Industry the presidential elections, Chief Session of the Ninth Parliament, whose immediate Mr. Daniel Neo Moroka Justice Julian Nganunu, just Minister of Minerals Resources and before midnight on Sunday 31 business included the swearing Water Affairs October and after his party in of new members, election of Mr. Mbiganyi Charles Tibone assured him of a presidential a new Speaker, endorsement of Minister of Lands and Housing the President's nominee for Mr. Ramadeluka Dikgakgamatso victory by polling more than 50 Seretse percent of the parliamentary Vice President, (once more, Lt. Minister of Local Government vote by that time. General Seretse Khama Ian Dr. Margaret Nasha with Mr. Ambrose Khama), and the President's Masalila as Assistant Minister The other presidential delivery of the state of the Minister of Education nation address. Mr. Jacob Nkate with Mrs. Moggie candidates, who themselves Mbaakanyi as Assistant Minister performed dismally in their Minister of Health own parliamentary seats, were In his address, President Mogae Prof. Sheila Tlou Botswana National Front leader called on the newly elected Minister of Works and Transport Otsweletse Moupo (whose Mrs. Lesego Motsumi with Mr. Frank political leadership to seriously J. Ramsden as Assistant Minister party went to the polls under an take up its responsibility of Minister of Labour and Home electoral pact with the meeting the public's Affairs Botswana Alliance Movement expectations with reference to Maj. Gen. Moeng R. Pheto with Mr. and the Botswana People's the major challenges facing the Olifant Mfa as Assistant Minister Minister of Agriculture Party), Otlaadisa Koosaletse nation. Mr. Jonnie Keemenao Swartz with Mr. and leader of the Botswana Peter L. Siele as Assistant Minister
3 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
The above twenty Ministers seats were increased from 44 to According to Seeletso, the IEC and Assistant Ministers include 61 before the 2004 general and the audit consultant ten new members to the elections. organised two workshops in the Cabinet. Five of the members, north and south of the country, 25%, are women. In turning to the discussions which were open to all held during workshops and interested stakeholders in the Botswana Election Audit other meetings as part of the political and electoral process audit, the IEC executive in Botswana. Other comments In an interview aimed at secretary revealed that the IEC or interactions were made discussing the key findings and would have liked to conduct the possible through the private and recommendations emerging audit two to three weeks before public media. In addition, from the audit of the 2004 the elections and soon after the election local and regional elections, commissioned by the elections but this did not take election observers and monitors IEC soon after the October place because the Swedish- and various polling officers – elections, Seeletso reiterated based International IDEA, took especially returning officers – that the IEC Commissioners a while to identify the were extensively interviewed and his office were satisfied appropriate consultant to head by the consultant and his staff. with the performance of the the election audit. IEC since there were no Mr Seeletso promised that the report of the audit would be complaints or challenges made He said International IDEA shared widely with the local over the 57 parliamentary seats finally settled for the former media, civil society, political contested and only five head of the political desk of the parties, and the Botswana petitions were received out of Commonwealth Secretariat, government and as many the 490 local government seats. who is based in London, to interested parties as possible. He said this shows that the IEC conduct the audit. Although the He said a national stakeholders’ performed comparatively well report is yet to be released, it is workshop will be called to given the low number of expected to come up with many discuss the audit report and petitions filed with the High useful recommendations and seriously look into the Court of Botswana and that has been found to be such a recommendations it is making none of the challenges were for useful exercise (Botswana did a with the intention of improving a parliamentary polls. similar audit after the 1999 election management and general elections – when the By the time the last election conduct in Botswana This IEC was conduction national results were announced on 1 would then be forwarded to elections for the first time after November 2004 and two days government for consideration. it was established in 1997 and after the national poll, Botswana following a Constitutional Democratic Party (BDP) had 80 For Seeletso, forwarding any amendment), that International percent of the seats in strong recommendations to IDEA has recommended that Parliament, after capturing 44 government would have to be election audits be adopted as seats out of the 57 constituencies. viewed against the background part of electoral best practice in Overall however, the ruling party that some of them would have the region. only polled 52 percent of the serious financial and legal – or popular vote, with 48 percent of even Constitutional – the electorate voting for the The audit of the 30 October implications for the nation. The opposition. The parliamentary national elections was expected intention of the IEC therefore, results by constituency, candidate to assess the state of will be to ensure that critical and results per party are provided preparedness and performance recommendations reach the in the Table 1 below. of the IEC; identify the legislature and the executive weaknesses in the system and arm of government, particularly Therefore, if the number of votes serious challenges, which the financial people, as early as cast translated into seats, then the should be taken into possible. BDP would only have 30 seats in consideration when the IEC the 57-seat National Assembly, prepares for and eventually Some of the issues raised with 27 going to the combined conducts the 2009 general during the audit workshops by opposition parties. Parliamentary elections. various stakeholders and during
4 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3 debates of the state-of-the- appointment of the diligent and fair. Besides which nation address in Parliament, executive secretary of the he queries where the country especially by opposition IEC should be reviewed in would get the right people for politicians and their supporters order to remove any the job if not civil servants who were as follows: shadow of doubt on his/her have always been accountable • The independence of the integrity. In his view, to the nation as a whole and IEC proved to be the maybe this should be the irrespective of which party is in topmost discomfort of most task of the IEC itself, as is power? opposition political parties done in some countries in Seeletso revealed that in the last – especially the fact that the the region, where the elections, his office needed executive secretary was appointment of the person 12,000 officers to conduct the appointed by the President, is sponsored by an elections. If these were not to who is himself an interested independent party. Seeletso be drawn from the civil service, party as his political party maintains that he has it will be too expensive for the was contesting the elections always been independent country to hire all these people, that are supposed to be and fair in his dealings with and at different levels of independently, fairly and all political parties and that responsibility, for the sole freely conducted by the in all the years he was in purpose of conducting elections executive secretary he office, there has not been every five years and an appoints and can dismiss. any direct or indirect occasional by-election. So if Political parties also take interference of the public servants are not used, issue with the fact that executive arm of unemployed people who are since the government in government in the conduct inexperienced and not power funds the IEC, the of his duties. Therefore, as accountable to anyone should latter cannot be expected to far as he is concerned, this be brought in large numbers at be totally independent. is just a perception on the every election. These people’s Seeletso countered this by part of the opposition, accountability cannot be relied saying that this is a weak which they cannot back on, argued Seeletso, since they argument because once with any factual evidence. will also be members of the opposition MPs are in Seeletso does admits in the various political parties Parliament, their final analysis that maybe contesting the election. emoluments and sitting the process of the appointment of the IEC allowances are paid by the Seeletso also found this issue executive secretary should government, but this does unacceptable since the Public be reviewed in order to not mean that they are not Service Act, which governs the remove this perception in independent of the ruling employment and conduct of the minds of the opposition. party that they oppose in public servants, prohibits civil He feels that there is still Parliament and outside. He servants from participation in much education needed for also said when the IEC active party politics. Therefore, the opposition to really needs money, it approaches to promote fairness and understand the Parliament and therefore, impartiality, the IEC can only independence question as it the money is coming from rely on them and not bus people relates to the IEC and its the nation as a whole by in whenever an election takes functionaries. implication and not from place. He therefore, sees civil one particular party. He • The use of public officers servants as an important human therefore, believes that the as polling and returning resource already available and opposition should draw a officers (especially district paid for by the nation to do its line between the officers) also does not look work. government and the BDP. good in the eyes of He admits however, that he opposition parties. sympathises with the view This fact surprised Seeletso • The use of vehicles owned on the appointment of the because at no time were these by the government, local chief executive of the IEC officers found wanting in their authorities, Land Boards, Secretariat and that maybe, conduct of the elections. He etc., has also raised the ire the procedure for the feels they have always been of opposition parties.
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Seeletso, who says his office • That the President alone nominees and leaves out needed many vehicles to determines the polling day those nominated by service the 2,178 polling also angers the opposition opposition parties. stations in the last election, also parties, who feel that this Councillors are directly finds this to be a ridiculously important part of the and solely nominated into expensive thing to do was electoral process should not council by the Minister of government and the IEC agree. be left solely to the Local Government, What would be done with the President since he will Margaret Nasha, who many vehicles after the ensure that his party is herself was a specially- elections? ready and geared for the elected MP after she lost a election before he Gaborone Central Seeletso maintains that the IEC, announces the date. parliamentary seat to the like everyone, must be Seeletso feels that although this solitary BCP MP, accountable to the nation and could be left to the IEC to Dumelang Saleshando. not allow wasteful use of public decide, the IEC has been Although this raised the ire of resources. He sees these working against the senior party members and vehicles and other state Constitutional provision that, several BDP MPs, Nasha did property, as public goods that the polling date is determined nominate some councillors are doing a public service the by the expiry date of the last from the opposition parties but nation needs. government. This is in turn she also offended many by determined by the date of the nominating very few women first meeting of Parliament after councillors, especially capable • Funding of political parties the elections and the ones. For example, she angered so as to ensure that the Constitution of a new the MP for Kgatleng East, playing fields are level at government. For planning Rakwadi Modipane, after she election time. This is an purposes therefore, the IEC has nominated opposition council issue that has been raised been using the birthday of the candidates in the constituency by other stakeholders such last Parliament to advise the and left out her own party’s as academics and the civil President to call elections any people. She also nominated society and not by time closest to the end of the three men and only one woman opposition political parties life of the last Parliament. He even though very few women alone. admits however, that in order to were able to enter into most Seeletso said he does not have remove any shadow of doubt on parliamentary and council seats any comment to make on this the part of the IEC, Parliament through the ballot box. MP since it does not have any and the nation should have the Modipane doubted whether in bearing on the ability of the polling date for each election the Kgatleng East sub-district IEC to mount free and fair prescribed in the Botswana council, the only nominated elections. Constitution but it is this kind woman councillor would add of issue that should be left to value because of what • The announcement of the legislature to correct. Modipane called “her election results also came shortcomings”. The woman up during the audit: the • That the country should do concerned was until her question being, at what away with the practice of nomination, employed as a point are they official? especially-elected cleaner at the police offices in Seeletso clarified that the Members of Parliament Mochudi, a fact Modipane said person and time at which the and nominated councillors. was also belittling more results are announced is when The four Members of capable women who were they are automatically official. Parliament are specially overlooked by another female He said, as they were elected by Parliament after Cabinet minister. announced by returning officers their names have been from where they did it, the submitted by all parties in This year’s specially-elected results were official, up to the Parliament. The BDP MPs also include Professor time the last results were however, invariably uses Sheila Tlou (who has since announced on 1 November its majority in Parliament been made Minister of Health 2004. to elect in its own and was Nursing Education
6 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Professor at the University of electorate or who have BCP President, are actually so Botswana), Moggie Mbaakanyi shortcomings as illustrated in critical of these various aspects (previously a nominated the case of Kgatleng East of the Botswana electoral councillor and businesswoman district council cited above. system that he and others feel and has also been made that they are being used by the Assistant Minister of Education The spirit of or idea behind this BDP to sustain its perpetual after losing to the opposition clause in the Botswana rule against the backdrop of MP for Lobatse, Nehemiah Constitution according to dwindling popular support for Modubule) and Botsalo Ntuane various Constitutional lawyers the ruling party with every (formerly Executive Secretary and political scientists, was to passing election. of the BDP and did not stand take into the wings of council for any electoral office like and Parliament, capable people Election Results Professor Tlou before his who did not enter through the nomination). poll but would add value by There were 552,890 registered bringing special skills or voters who were expected to Most critics of nominated experience and to serve a have cast their ballots in the councillors and specially- special section of the parliamentary and local elected MPs as provided for in population (for example people government elections at all of the Constitution, have over the with disabilities or minority 2,179 polling stations years accused the BDP of tribes). countrywide. This was abusing this by rewarding their Botswana's ninth national losing candidates in the The government of Botswana elections since independence elections and thus not adding and the IEC would do well to from Britain in 1966. value to Parliament or local attend to the issues raised since councils by selecting people some of the political critics who have been rejected by the such as Mike Dingake, former
The complete results are summarised below and were sourced from the IEC of Botswana.
Table 1. Parliamentary Candidates Results
CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATE'S NAME PARTY RESULTS
Gibson M.R. Nshimwe BCP 2,225
1 CHOBE Duncan Mlazie BDP 2,650
Albert Sachillemu Chamba BNF 331
Wetsho R. Makgetho BAM 2,513
2 MAUN EAST Frank Jack Ramsden BDP 4,261
Michael Wright BCP 1,392
Letlhogile Modumo Sethoko BAM 1,691
3 MAUN WEST Osimilwe Otsile Ditsheko BCP 969
Ronald Ronnie Ridge BDP 3,371
Taolo Goyamang Habano BAM 3,922
4 NGAMI Geoffrey Retuura Ketjimambo BCP 2,361
Jacob Dickie Nkate BDP 5,291
7 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Sakuze Otukeseng BAM 581
5 OKAVANGO Joseph P. Kavindama BCP 3,774
Vistor M. Moruti BDP 4,025
Samson Moyo Guma BDP 3,644
6 TATI EAST Milidzani Letsholathebe BCP 225
Motlatsi Mbanga BPP 1,984
Albert Mosojane BCP 358
7 TATI WEST Mbiganyi Charles Tibone BDP 4,322
Richard Amos Gudu BPP 2,829
Morgan C. M. Moseki BCP 1,419
8 FRANCISTOWN EAST Phandu T.C. Skelemani BDP 3,255
Kumbulani William BPP 869
Whyte B. Marobela BCP 1,539
9 FRANCISTOWN WEST Tshelang Masisi BDP 3,526
Bernard M. Balikani BPP 1,509
Matlhomola Modise BAM 779
10 FRANCISTOWN SOUTH Khumo T. Maoto BDP 2,843
Vain Mamela BCP 2,653
Tosa Budulala BAM 875
11 NATA / GWETA Olifant Mfa BDP 2,988
Alphons Seisa BCP 768
Gideon Kaelo BAM 1,355
12 NKANGE Batisani Simon Maswibilili BCP 3,176
Ambrose Masalila BDP 4,246
Habaudi Hobona BCP 1,394
13 TONOTA NORTH Baledzi Gaolathe BDP 4,444
Boitshwarelo Chepete BPP 695
Pono Pearson Moatlhodi BDP 4,417 14 TONOTA SOUTH Michael Kelebogile Mzwinila BNF 1,253
Taolo Boipuso Lucas BCP 3,756 15 BOBIRWA Shaw Kgathi BDP 4,258
8 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Christopher R. Motsholapheko BCP 1,137 16 MMADINARE Ponatshego H. Kedikilwe BDP 4,158
Nzwaligwa Nzwaligwa BCP 2,478
Nonofo Ezekiel Molefhi BDP 2,629 17 SELIBE PHIKWE EAST Calistus Poela Keotswetse BNF 1,231
Boiki Gaseitsewe IND 59
Gilson Saleshando BCP 2,802
18 SELIBE PHIKWE WEST Kavis Kario BDP 3,100
Otsweletse Moupo BNF 1,489
Bonang E. Mafoko BCP 1,298
19 TSWAPONG NORTH Thebe D. Mogami BDP 5,579
Zachariah P. Kgwadi BNF 956
James Mpho Olesitse BCP 2,303
20 PALAPYE Lephimotswe B. Sebetela BDP 3,863
Lebitsa Gabatsotswe Lere BNF 724
Gobotswang Kesitegile BCP 1,980
21 TSWAPONG SOUTH Menyatso Obonetse BNF 869
Oreeditse Sola Molebatsi BDP 5,005
Dr Wame Boitumelo BNF 1,836 22 MAHALAPYE EAST Botlogile Tshireletso BDP 3,979
Thomas Ookeditse BCP 975
23 MAHALAPYE WEST Mompati S. Merafhe BDP 5,429
Abigail M Mogalakwe BNF 1,664
Gobopang Duke Lefhoko BDP 3,391
24 SHOSHONG Patrick Malakaila BNF 1,850
Gontlefela Tsogo Mokongwa BCP 380
Lesedi Seabelo Tshekane BCP 600
25 SEROWE NORTH EAST Dikgakgamatso Seretse BDP 5,871
Gothatamang Motubudi BNF 465
26 SEROWE NORTH WEST Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama BDP un-opposed
9 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Morwadi Adrienne Morwadi BCP 430
27 SEROWE SOUTH Moses Mozila BNF 1,066
Pelonomi Venson BDP 6,228
Elijah Motsamai BCP 528
28 BOTETI NORTH Slumber Tsogwane BDP 3,870
Lebonetse Bolokang BNF 2,587
Tjilinga Letsholo BCP 885
29 BOTETI SOUTH Lebonamang T. Mokalake BDP 2,944
Albert K. Mabelenga BNF 1,204
Steven S. Makhura BCP 2,907
30 KGATLENG EAST Isaac Jacob Davids BDP 3,575
Isaac Steven Mabiletsa BNF 5,066
Motsei Madisa BCP 2,294
Rakwadi John Modipane BDP 3,943 31 KGATLENG WEST Jerry Olefile Rasetshwane BNF 3,758
Letlotlo Phalane Kopong NDF 267
Margaret Nasha BDP 2,901
Kathleen Mosidinyane Letshabo BNF 1,917 32 GABORONE CENTRAL Dumelang Saleshando BCP 2,992
Violet Nkuna Mophuting NDF 89
Keletso Joseph Rakhudu BDP 2,480
Patrick Ookeditse Kgwadi BNF 2,030 33 GABORONE NORTH Moncho Moncho BCP 1,567
Sekgophi John Bogatsu NDF 156
Pelotelele Tlhaodi BDP 1,981
Akanyang Magama BNF 2,414
34 GABORONE SOUTH Rex Ndzinge BCP 268
Dick Bayford NDF 969
Dithapelo Kgangkenna MELS 14
35 GABORONE WEST NORTH Limited Quite Nkani BDP 3,315
10 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Paul Mmolotsi Rantao BNF 3,936
Othaile Mabaila BCP 1,281
Phillip Monowe NDF 180
Motlalepula Joina MELS 19
Odirile Motlhale BDP 2,153
Robert K. Molefhabangwe BNF 3,611 36 GABORONE WEST SOUTH Abby Buti Chengeta BCP 712
Benny Mogodi NDF 44
John Mokgalagadi BCP 902
37 SOUTH EAST NORTH SOUTH Shirley Itumeleng Tiny Segokgo BDP 2,470
Olebile M. Gaborone BNF 3,243
Linus Shaka Dikhudu BCP 2,723
38 SOUTH EAST SOUTH Lesego Ethel Motsumi BDP 3,769
Ephraim Lepeto Setshwaelo BNF 2,640
Mokgweetsi Kgosipula BCP 1,538
Patrick Masimolole BDP 2,375 39 MOGODITSHANE Keetla Masogo BNF 2,111
Themba Joina MELS 27
Edward Mmoloki Raletobana BDP 3,528
40 KWENENG SOUTH EAST Jerry Phale Moremi BCP 1,133
Brendan Rankgomo BNF 2,032
Gladys K. Theresa Kokorwe BDP 4,658
41 KWENENG SOUTH Duke Molelekedi BCP 1,253
Kopano M. Rannatshe BNF 3,551
Gaotlhaetse U. Matlhabaphiri BDP 4,370 42 MOLEPOLOLE NORTH Mohammed I. Khan BNF 3,912
Ray A. M. Moremong BCP 159
43 MOLEPOLOLE SOUTH Daniel K. Kwelagobe BDP 3,935
Benjamin Modimoothata BNF 1,594
44 KWENENG EAST Pretty Sekgweng Molefhe BNF 1,900
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Kaone Pebe MELS 61
Major General Moeng R. Pheto BDP 4,686
Michael Abelang Seitshiro BCP 1,337
William Motube BCP 226
45 LETLHAKENG EAST Boometswe Mokgothu BDP 3,046
Gordon Mokgwathi BNF 3,107
Maxwell K.G. Motowane BDP 2,759 46 LETLHAKENG WEST Filbert Kebopame Nagafela BNF 3,122
Otlaadisa Koosaletse BCP 585
Moggie M. Mbaakanyi BDP 3,070
47 LOBATSE Nehemia Mmoloki Modubule BNF 4,173
Metlhaeno Gaseitsiwe NDF 466
John Kealeboga Modise IND 45
James I. Mathokgwane BNF 2,311
Onkokame Kitso Mokaila BDP 4,187 48 BAROLONG Losikanyana Molema NDF 188
Bokae Tlalenyane Mosetlhi BCP 896
Edwin Tau Raphuti BCP 706
Peter L. Siele BDP 4,994 49 NGWAKETSE SOUTH Kebadire Kalake BNF 4,215
Mosinki Mpuang NDF 339
Kentse Rammidi BDP 4,602
50 KANYE NORTH Calvin M. K. Batsile BNF 5,331
Daniel Tlhomelang BCP 229
Pontius Mokgosana BCP 512
Leach K. Tlhomelang BDP 3,120 51 KANYE SOUTH Omphitlhetse O. Maswabi BNF 4,505
Seitshwenyeng M. Sebonego NDF 365
52 MOSHUPA Rev. Benny Stegling BCP 1,223
Maitlhoko G. Kabelo Mooka BDP 4,594
12 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
Boikhutso Motshwane Disele BNF 1,059
Mathaese Ralekoi BCP 375
53 NGWAKETSE WEST Michael Rabereng Tshipinare BDP 5,601
Mephato Reatile BNF 7,050
Mokgolele Z. Moapare BDP 3,409
54 KGALAGADI NORTH Obakeng E. Moumakwa BNF 3,486
Daniel O. K. Mokgare NDF 174
Daniel Neo Moroka BDP 4,398 55 KGALAGADI SOUTH John Kgaboetsile Toto BNF 3,398
Brains Kebogile Kwadipane BCP 362
Johnnie Keemenao Swartz BDP 2,521 56 GANTSI NORTH
Ferninand Tapiso Kgosikoma BNF 1,828
Ramosidi Keakopa BCP 571
57 GANTSI SOUTH Christiaan DeGraaff BDP 3,281
Soblen Mayane BNF 2,626 Source: Independent Electoral Commission, Botswana. December, 2004
BDP BNF BCP BAM Other 212883 106670 78931 11716 10978
250000
200000
BDP 150000 BNF BCP 100000 BAM Other 50000
0 BDP BNF BCP BAM Other
Figure 1 Figure 2
As indicated in Table 2 below, constituting 2.11 percent of the percentage of votes cast at 552,849 voters registered for votes cast, were rejected as 76.20 percent. the elections of whom, 421,272 spoilt votes, leaving the total voted. But 8,893 of these votes,
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The highest turnout of voters Here, one of the constituencies constituencies and municipal was in the two political went to the ruling party and the seats went to the opposition – constituencies of Kgatleng East other to the opposition mainly the BNF. and West, which are within 50 Botswana National Front kilometres north of the (BNF). In the capital city itself, country’s capital Gaborone. most of the parliamentary
Table 2. Parliamentary Results 2004
NO. OF NO. OF VOTERS NO. OF VALID TOTAL CONSTITUENCY REJECTED NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTES CAST VOTES VOTES CAST
BAROLONG (48) 10,054 7,582 401 7,983
BOBIRWA (15) 10,753 8,014 238 8,252
BOTETI NORTH (28) 9,321 6,985 212 7,197
BOTETI SOUTH (29) 7,717 5,033 235 5,268
CHOBE (1) 6,894 5,206 60 5,266
FRANCISTOWN EAST (8) 7,764 5,543 99 5,642
FRANCISTOWN SOUTH (10) 9,079 6,275 98 6,373
FRANCISTOWN WEST (9) 9,471 6,574 113 6,687
GABORONE CENTRAL (32) 10,400 7,899 27 7,926
GABORONE NORTH (33) 8,418 6,233 59 6,292
GABORONE SOUTH (34) 7,694 5,646 56 5,702
GABORONE WEST NORTH (35) 11,649 8,731 59 8,790
GABORONE WEST SOUTH (36) 8,467 6,520 26 6,546
GHANZI NORTH (56) 6,471 4,711 245 4,956
GHANZI SOUTH (57) 7,843 6,478 168 6,646
KANYE NORTH (50) 12,773 10,162 188 10,350
KANYE SOUTH (51) 11,137 8,502 151 8,653
KGALAGADI NORTH (54) 8,578 7,069 188 7,257
KGALAGADI SOUTH (55) 9,526 7,796 130 7,926
KGATLENG EAST (30) 15,065 11,548 323 11,871
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KGATLENG WEST (31) 13,158 10,262 221 10,483
KWENENG EAST (44) 10,621 7,984 61 8,045
KWENENG SOUTH (41) 12,449 9,462 214 9,676
KWENENG SOUTH EAST (40) 9,110 6,693 126 6,819
LETLHAKENG EAST (45) 8,241 6,379 231 6,610
LETLHAKENG WEST (46) 7,361 5,881 83 5,964
LOBATSE (47) 10,997 8,339 112 8,451
MAHALAPYE EAST (22) 7,797 5,815 132 5,947
MAHALAPYE WEST (23) 10,633 8,068 125 8,193
MAUN EAST (2) 11,271 8,166 137 8,303
MAUN WEST (3) 8,107 6,031 70 6,101
MMADINARE (16) 7,800 5,295 206 5,501
MOGODITSHANE (39) 8,506 6,051 66 6,117
MOLEPOLOLE NORTH (42) 10,610 8,282 192 8,474
MOLEPOLOLE SOUTH (43) 7,700 5,688 104 5,792
MOSHUPA (52) 9,011 6,876 163 7,039
NATA/GWETA (11) 6,684 4,631 118 4,749
NGAMI (4) 14,741 11,574 272 11,846
NGWAKETSE SOUTH (49) 13,110 10,254 256 10,510
NGWAKETSE WEST (53) 16,646 13,026 270 13,296
NKANGE (12) 11,452 8,777 210 8,987
OKAVANGO (5) 10,461 8,380 311 8,691
PALAPYE (20) 9,511 6,890 130 7,020
SELIBE PHIKWE EAST (17) 8,099 6,397 61 6,458
SELIBE PHIKWE WEST (18) 9,261 7,391 77 7,468
SEROWE NORTH EAST (25) 10,010 6,936 196 7,132
SEROWE NORTH WEST (26) 6,194 0 0 0
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SEROWE SOUTH (27) 10,626 7,724 292 8,016
SHOSHONG (24) 7,341 5,621 111 5,732
SOUTH EAST NORTH (37) 8,321 6,615 65 6,680
SOUTH EAST SOUTH (38) 11,499 9,132 181 9,313
TATI EAST (6) 8,029 5,853 113 5,966
TATI WEST (7) 9,798 7,509 149 7,658
TONOTA NORTH (13) 9,241 6,533 259 6,792
TONOTA SOUTH (14) 8,096 5,670 160 5,830
TSWAPONG NORTH (19) 11,036 7,833 138 7,971
TSWAPONG SOUTH (21) 10,247 7,854 205 8,059
TOTAL 552,849 412,379 8,893 421,272 Percentage of valid votes cast 97.89% Percentage of rejected votes 2.11% Percentage of total votes cast 76.20%
Opposition Party Unity in According to some the Making? commentators, given the In the eyes of many political present political structure and observers and analysts who As can be noted from Figures 1 strength of the BDP over the criticised the two main and 2 above, the opposition opposition, which we also opposition parties for their attracted a large proportion of discussed on at length the failure to serve the interests of the vote, capturing 48 percent. previous Update, no single the Botswana voters - who are The other 52 percent went to opposition party can hope to clearly tired of the 38-year long the BDP and constitutes a unseat the BDP from power on BDP rule - the BCP and BNF declining trend for the BDP its own. Many people share this might finally collaborate vote in the last two elections. view, even suggesting that it between themselves or with goes a long way to cause voter other opposition parties ahead The various opposition parties apathy among some voters of the 2009 general elections. ultimately lost to the BDP who do not see a political This will depend on the mainly because of split voting future without BDP and against outcome of internal as noted in the previous the background of a fragmented consultations, which for the Election Update on the 2004 but potentially capable BCP, were sanctioned by the Botswana elections and because opposition. party leadership at the Palapye of the first past the post election meeting of the party on 4 system used in the country This has since prompted the December 2004. since independence. They also main opposition parties of the split the meagre material, Botswana National Front The BCP and BNF received a financial and intellectual (BNF) and Botswana Congress severe thrashing from the ruling resources they had at their Party (BCP), to engage in BDP as a consequence of the disposal to fight the elections internal consultations in the split vote during the elections, against a well-resourced and aftermath of the October 2004 which sparked fresh calls for well-organized BDP. elections. opposition unity to unseat the
16 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 3
BCP. As indicated above, out “All this calls for a guarantee of BNF’s Social Democratic of the 57 constituencies feeding successful opposition mutual Programme. the National Assembly, the give-and-take, when initiatives BDP won 44, BNF 12 while the eventually commence. Therefore, in the eyes of many, BCP got one parliamentary seat Hopefully by the time of our whatever differences there are in the capital. three-yearly congress in July between the two are immensely 2005, the party’s position will reconcilable because they are In the council or municipal be clear and unambiguous”. All not founded on ideological elections, the BCP won 33 structures of the party disharmony or policy positions. wards from a possible 490. All leadership attended this historic the opposition parties share Palapye meeting: which All these factors are also between them, control of 160 assessed the performance of the enhanced by the fact that council wards and the majority organisation in the October popular support for unity now of these are in cities and towns elections and intended to map clearly exists among key or in large villages. the way forward. leaders and leadership structures of the BCP and BNF In an instructive press The BNF has also meanwhile, and outside their ranks and statement it released after the issued statements in which the within the grassroots. For Palapye meeting, the BCP party supports opposition unity. many, the people have been stated that, “While we However what must be clear to voting in large numbers for a contended that there is no quick especially the two main divided opposition out of the fix to the differences within the opposition parties of the BCP political trauma of a people opposition ranks, the BCP and BNF, is that continued who are unhappy and seriously remains committed to a failure to unite presents the best disgruntled with BDP principled engagement with opportunity for the BDP to contended socio-political other opposition parties which retain power in 2009. complacency and the direction could result in enhancing the in which it is taking the performance of the opposition. country. The election pact entered into
by the BNF, Botswana People’s An internal discussion Judging from the way in which Party and the Botswana document has been circulated the Cabinet was selected and Alliance Movement has not to all structures on the possible how internal BDP debates and paid as many political benefits and type of co- bickering for positions went on dividends at the polls as was operation or non-co-operation prior to the general elections, widely expected by its with other opposition parties”. many are detecting impending proponents. In the eyes of many collapse of counter-balancing The party is now widely a political commentator, it will governance structures due expected to embark on regional not be useful in the future mainly to a rising culture of seminars in the first quarter of either. political sycophancy in BDP 2005 to further consult party ranks. members on the issue of Many are convinced that if the building a consensus on the opposition block is serious Thus, there has since been a basic principles that will inform about taking state power in stringent call in letters to any engagement within the 2009 or in the future, it should editors of newspapers and on opposition ranks. use its numerical strength and radio talk shows for opposition pool its otherwise meagre leaders to meet the leadership BCP information and publicity resources. This is more so since challenges of present-day secretary has since told the there are no fundamental policy Botswana politics by talking local press that the merits and differences between the BNF about the unity of the main urgency of co-operation within and the BCP. This is not only a opposition parties as early as the opposition cannot be down result borne out of the latter possible should there be any played, just as the history of the being a splinter of the former, disagreements and or past efforts cannot be but both are clearly comfortable conflicting views so that all the overlooked. with the ideals contained in the dust will have settled by 2009.
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Parliament Adjourns Emblems Act by clearing divide. Even at the time the confusion Parliament went on recess until surrounding the correct January 2005 when it will go The recently elected Ninth colours of the Botswana into the normally long Budget Parliament having made a national flag by using a Session, many MPs were productive start, adjourned for colour coding system to smarting at the decision of the the holidays on 10 December identify the correct colour Executive to ignore the 2004. In addition to debating of blue in the flag), and recommendations of the Task the President's state-of-the- the Force that government set up to nation-address the first session • Ministers and National advise on where the science and succeeded in passing six new Assembly Gratuities and technology-biased university items of legislation: Pensions Bill (An Act to will located and the reasons • the Abolition of Marital amend the ministers and given by the Minister of Power Bills (this was National Assembly Education, Jacob Nkate as to generated a lot of public gratuities and Pensions what factors were taken into and parliamentary interest Act – which became consideration by Cabinet in and debate and is important after the selecting Serowe/Palapye and intended to provide for number of constituencies not Selibe Phikwe as the the abolition of marital were raised from 40 to location of the second power of men over 57. The number of university. women; to amend the Cabinet ministers has matrimonial property law remained the same). Public (especially among the of marriages; to provide residents of the copper-nickel for the domicile of Having passed through the mining town of Selibe Phikwe married women; to required three readings without and surrounding areas) and provide for the domicile amendment, the Bills are now parliamentary emotions were so and guardianship of awaiting H.E. the President's high that the Minister of minor children and to assent to become Acts of Law. Education was forced to provide for matters Insofar as each of the above publicly release the report of incidental thereto); were originally proposed by the Task Force on the • The Penal Code H.E. the President acting on the establishment of the second Amendment Bill (which advice of Cabinet, this final university. This is highly seeks to make corporal step should be a legal formality. uncharacteristic of government punishment to be Among the Bills, the Abolition when it comes to reports of imposed for a wide range of Marital Power Bill administrative committees of of offences upon male seemingly generated the enquiry and even some major criminals under the age of greatest debate, and is arguably reports of Presidential 40, and that corporal the most historic. The Bill was Commissions of Enquiry have punishment be permitted drafted is to ensure full gender remained for months and years in default of payment); equality under the law with in government offices without • the Telecommunications respect to all civil marriages in being released as speedily to Amendment Bill; Botswana. the public and Parliament, as • the Civil Aviation happened with this second Authority Bill (which There were also several university Task Force report. aims to establish a Civil motions and parliamentary This goes a long way to Avaiation Authority; to questions which generated a lot demonstrate the amount of provide for its powers of public interest. The questions political pressure that the ninth and functions; to provide and motion surrounding the Botswana Parliament seems to for the establishment of a establishment of the second be capable of mounting against Board of the Authority university in Serowe/Palapye the Botswana executive arm of and for matters incidental and not in Selibe Phikwe or government. or connected therewith); Francistown as widely • the Botswana Emblems anticipated, raised the ire of the Does this mean that the new Amendment Bill (An Act public and many Members of Parliament will pack a better to amend the Botswana Parliament across the political punch than the previous eight?
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Newspapers: Molutsi and Holm(ed), 1989. US State Department, 2004. Country Botswana Daily News Democracy in Botswana. Gaborone: Report on Human Rights Practices – Botswana Daily News Macmillan 2003 Bureau of Democracy, Human Botswana Gazette Botswana Guardian Republic of Botswana. Report of The Rights and Labour February .25, 2004.http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrr Botswana Television News Presidential Commission on The Mmegi/The Reporter Judiciary. Gaborone: Government pt/2003/27713.htm Monitor Printer. Sachikonye, L., 2004. Elections and Mokgosi
Republic of Botswana. Electoral Act. Democracy in the SADC Region. A The Midweek Sun Gaborone: Government Printer paper presented at the SADC The Mirror Parliamentary Forum Workshop for Radio Botswana News .Republic of Botswana, 2002. Various news agencies.
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