What they said about SA elections
Bame Piet | Friday May 9, 2014 15:01
The ruling African National Congress, The Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters were leading the pack at time of going to press last night
Botswana Congress Party
Spokesperson Taolo Lucas said: “We admire the public media coverage of the elections – all the concerned were given a platform through which they presented their views, something which is amiss in our context.”
He also applauded the advanced voting arrangement which allowed voters special dispensation. Lucas lamented that the same arrangement was made in Botswana in the 2009 general elections but it never took place and there was no explanation from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as to why it failed. “Not only that, the nation seemingly saw nothing wrong with the failure of the system”.
He said that the players, being the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, and the Economic Freedom Front were clear on what they stand for. He says that although the ANC may emerge victorious, there is likelihood of a reduced majority, in his view. Lucas says there is need for diversity in age groups, and that is what was likely going to disadvantage the EFF.
The level of tolerance also impressed the BCP man. “They have done reasonably well, a young democracy but their debates were intense, and there was very minimal violence.
The ruling party accepts criticism from opponents. In our country, the ruling party will deny opposition airwaves, TV and radio.”
Umbrella for Democratic Change
Secretary General Wynter Mmolotsi said: “The elections were conducted very well, no intimidation and we can learn a lot from them. For example, the ruling party should learn to be tolerant and stop behaving like a bull in a China shop.” He added: “Parties were given equal media coverage on television. Our government should learn from these and allow opponents equal airtime on national television and radio stations.
If the government is confident that people still believe in it, it shouldn’t fear opposition appearing on national television. The ANC allowed its opponents equal opportunity on national television, but it is leading as we speak.”
But what impressed Mmolotsi most was the amount of resources employed in the campaigns.
“It was clear from their rallies that the parties invested heavily in their campaigns, and that is when you will see that the issue of resources is a very serious one.”
On whether the UDC preferred a certain party to win, he said it did not. However, as members of the UDC, the BMD prefers the Democratic Alliance to win since they have a friendship with the party. The BNF has a relationship with the ruling ANC.
Botswana Democratic Party
Efforts to obtain a comment from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party did not bear any fruit at time of going to press. The party’s secretary general, Mpho Balopi, is out of the country and could not be reached.
Mokgweetsi Masisi who is in charge of communications also did not answer our calls. It was not clear whether this was in connection with the party president’s stance to boycott elections in the SADC region.