Of all the by-elections in recent times, the weekend fixture has attracted generous doses of controversy with the opposition expressing fears that the ruling BDP is out to rig the vote. In the past few weeks, the BDP leadership has reportedly deployed cabinet ministers to the constituency in a desperate attempt to bolster its campaign, as defeat increasingly looks probable for President Ian Khama's party. There have been reports of civil servants and government machinery being improperly used by the BDP to win the voter to its side with the party's incumbency proving an un-bankable positive. Some BDP youth and die-hards have allegedly disrupted meetings convened by unions, intimidated members of the public and threatened violence.
The string of reported events surrounding the by-election raises questions about the fairness of the weekend ballot. For a long time, the opposition and other independent observers have described the general elections in Botswana as free but unfair. It is evidently becoming difficult for elections such as this one to pass the fairness test. However, as polling day draws closer, the star of this rigmarole should become the people. The by-election presents the people of Letlhakeng West with an opportunity to be heard. It is an opportunity for them to express their disagreements or agreement with the government of the day.
