UDC’s 2024 threats compel IEC to beef up security in 2029
Spira Tlhankane | Monday January 12, 2026 06:26
In the 2024 election report submitted to the Minister for State President last month, the Commission admitted that the decision to beef up security around their personnel was motivated by what it terms as ‘sporadic acts of intimidation and threats against the leadership of the IEC. Speaking of threats, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which entered the 2024 General Election cycle still skeptical of the electoral process, were amongst the parties which blatantly criticised the IEC and its leadership. In the build-up to the 2024 election, President Duma Boko, who was then an opposition leader, issued a series of threats to IEC Secretary Jeff Siamisang, saying that if the latter tries to steal the elections, he will be putting himself in danger along with his family. “We are issuing a stern warning to the IEC. Should they try anything to steal the elections, they will lose their lives. Let me tell you now, we have the voters' roll, comrade Siamisang, and we are investigating everything on it. So we warn you to stop any foul play or cheating you are doing, and this is directed to Siamisang,' Boko had warned.
President Boko revealed then that if President Mokgweetsi Masisi or anyone attempts to steal the elections, then they will pay with their lives. Boko, who was doubtful of the electoral process and fearful of massive rigging, even conceived Madibela-Tlhopho to protect the electoral system. Madibela-Tlhopho is an official UDC group or arrangement endorsed by the UDC National Executive Committee (NEC) and a project under Boko’s UDC office. Boko was adamant in his belief that the 2019 General Election was rigged by the former ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
“The organisation and conduct of credible elections demand adherence to principles that, in practice, promote the safety and security of both election materials and election staff,” the IEC stated in the report.
Conversely, the IEC also disclosed that there was an incident whereby some election materials were snatched and run away with by an interested party. The IEC indicated that these incidents occur even in other countries where voters are in the mood for elections.
With the opposition parties at the time demanding an end to the transportation of ballot boxes to counting centres, the IEC also revealed that there were isolated cases where there were attempts to block official vehicles out of polling stations. “This was done by individuals who suspected that cheating may occur along the way if they were not allowed to travel in the same vehicle that transported ballot boxes. However, Returning Officers intervened, and the process continued without hindrance,” the IEC pointed out.
In order to protect the electoral system and prevent rigging, Madibela-Tlhopho had, before the election, indicated that they would search every vehicle that leaves and enters polling stations during the election, including police vehicles. Madibela Tlhopho indicated then that the IEC should bring enough vehicles to carry both ballot boxes and their members who will be guarding the boxes to the counting centre. Madibela Tlhopho emphasised that if they were not allowed to guard the boxes, then no box would leave the polling centre.
The IEC, however, specified that besides the pre-election intimidation and threats, the 2024 election affirmed Botswana as a stable and long-standing democracy in Africa, which separates it from most of its peers, where elections are associated with instability. IEC said the 2024 results showed that it is competent to conduct a successful election despite doubts over its independence.
“Consistent with the country’s established democratic practice, the elections were peaceful despite media speculations that suggested they were likely to be marred by violence,” The IEC further emphasised.
The IEC also stated that the role of security in elections was critical in the delivery of credible elections. “There were several workshops held for police officers aimed at equipping and sensitising them on their obligations during elections. These workshops targeted officers at all levels, from senior to junior officers. The Botswana Police Service proved to be a valuable partner to deliver a peaceful 2024 General Election”.