This is so because the outside world considers Botswana to be the shining example of democracy in Africa. Therefore, one does not readily appreciate the Kwelagobe remarks.
Democracy is premised on transparency and accountability. A government that does not believe that transparency is the bedrock of democracy is a government that lacks vision. It is a reactionary government. It is oblivious of the aspirations of the people it purports to represent and lead. Its principles do not reflect the aspirations of the people. Theirs and those genuinely held by the people of Botswana are miles apart. BDP has lost touch with the politics of Botswana, underpinned by modern constitutional principles, responsiveness, ultimate accountability to the constituents, care and compassion. The statement displays the BDP’s aversion to democratic principles. This is all the more reason why we, the voters, should remove the party from power. Even those amongst us who, for whatever reasons, have been harbouring feelings of returning the BDP to power can now see the party for what it truly is.
BDP’s Members of Parliament have somersaulted and shelved the Bill out of personal considerations. They conveniently forget that in parliament they do not represent their personal interests, but that they undertook to relentlessly protect and advocate for the betterment of the lives of the people. It would appear that to them politics is a vehicle through which they can better protect and advocate for their personal interests. In politics they see comfort, stability and security.
We do not deserve this kind of representatives. We deserve better. We deserve people who can put personal interests aside and propagate the general feeling of the people of Botswana. October 2004 offers yet another opportunity to get rid of these insensitive leaders. It is the duty of every Motswana anywhere in the world to ensure that this crop of leaders does not come to Parliament after October. We must distrust those who go around making a mockery of our democracy because to ignore democratic principles with impunity is to impede progress and development.
Letsweletse Martin Dingake
GABORONE
