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Lessons From The Elections
Editor
11/1/2004 5:17:05 PM (GMT +2)
After the general elections over the weekend, the nation is now expected to settle down to business without the political heat generated in the last year or so because of the campaigns. Whichever way one looks at it, the elections should have some instructive lessons for Batswana. For the first time, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ushered in a new primary election system and discarded the old electoral colleges to nominate its election candidates. Although this process was meant to democratise the BDP’s electoral system, it resulted in divisive politics that is still haunting the party.
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On the opposition side, perhaps the biggest political landmark was the conception of the political pact between the Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM) and the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP). However, the much-needed unity still eluded the opposition because the Botswana Congress Party and the New Democratic Front did not join the pact.
The elections have seen new forms of campaigning and media coverage. For the first time, Batswana could see the candidates on TV. After the dust has settled, it may be important for all Batswana to think about the election coverage by various media, particularly the state media. It is clear to everyone that the BDP was abusing the state-owned Btv. It was always hogging the limelight at the expense of the opposition. However, the other state media - the Daily News and Radio Botswana did exceptionally well to provide Batswana with balanced information from the various parties and candidates. This is obviously a step forward for our democracy. The private press too should take stock of themselves.
The greatest lesson for the politicians is to appreciate that there are many ways of reaching out to voters other than using the media. After the elections, political parties should re-assess their campaign methods to ensure that they are consistent with modern times. We congratulate the winners and commiserate with the losers. There is always a next time.
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