Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi’s audacious move to run for the presidency of Africa’s longest ruling Party-the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has produced the unintended effect of awakening us from a deep slumber. The accolades from the international community showered on Botswana so lavishly as a true shining example of democracy, appear to have been misplaced. Now we have come to know that we have lived a lie told and retold, without scrutiny, over a period of over five decades. Our democracy has been a subject of manipulation by self-appointed kingmakers who allocated themselves the power to determine who shall or shall not rule. This calls for a national introspection with a view to restoring power to ordinary citizens. I am afraid if the status quo is left unchecked, it could provide a fertile ground for state capture let alone a dictatorship. And this scenario must be avoided at all costs.
Venson-Moitoi has now made headlines for deciding to enter the lion’s den by announcing her presidential bid, a move that has left the country in some unprecedented cultural shock. Her bid clearly challenges deep-seated traditions and practices that are inimical to our democracy. Her legitimate and constitutional right to run for a political office of her choice has earned her the wrath and non-complimentary comments from all quarters not least from the BDP council of the elders and other apparatchiks.
