Foul language out, police boss tells politicians

NDINGILILO GAOSWEDIWE
Correspondent | Wednesday September 16, 2009 00:00

He said that the use of dirty words is not allowed and if such words reach the police, 'perpetrators will face the music'.

He said people should be free to canvass for support, but provoking, shredding posters and scandalising others would not be entertained.

Giving an example, he said there is no individual who can be happy if labelled 'golo mo' (this thing).

Speaking at a meeting held at the Francistown Institute of Health Sciences, he said it is disappointing that some adults use abusive language instead of addressing bread and butter issues that affect the voter.

'Why must we teach children insults?' asked Makobo.

He further urged politicians to respect one another by avoiding disturbing their opponents when holding political rallies. He also encouraged participants to discipline their children who normally tear down adverts from trees and poles.

He emphasised that Botswana, as a multiparty democracy, should have free politics where people are free to belong to parties of their choice and their adverts should not be destroyed or vandalised. He said his force would not just let such things happen.

Youthful Botswana People's Party (BPP) Donga ward aspirant Clifford Othusitswe said the city adverts are placed everywhere, on robots, trees, dustbins and street poles in order to give the electorate a variety of messages from contending parties.

Othusitswe said the use of indecent language can discourage the electorate from voting for certain candidates.

He castigated parents 'who are abusing their children by sending them out to tear adverts' mounted by rival political parties.

Othusitswe called for clean campaigns in the run-up to the October 16 general elections.
Another council hopeful for Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Anthony Chebani urged politicians to behave well if the country is to win the battle against voter apathy.

He further urged Batswana to be broad-minded because focusing on partisan issues has the potential to divide the people.

Solutions to some of the problems raised during the discussion were that each party should hold a rally 500 metres away from their opponents' and that each party should be allowed to book for one freedom square.

Makobo added that those who want to organise motorcades will be expected to seek permission from the police.

He said such events need to be authorised so the police can prepare for any contingencies.

He suggested that more than six cars would be considered as a motorcade so organisers to seek authorization to ensure law and order.

But city mayor Buti Billy appeared unhappy with some of the resolutions as he said politics was not meant to be boring.

'We can't come up with the same campaign ideas, we need to spice up things to attract people,' he said.