The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged as the leading party with 310,855 votes. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) followed with 254,648 votes, and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) secured 174,836 votes. However, a notable aspect of this election was the number of spoilt votes, which amounted to 8,605 (one percent). This figure highlights the importance of voter education and the need for clear instructions on how to cast a valid vote. In 2019, 778,343 people voted with 6,185 (0.79 percent) of those spoilt. Spoilt votes can significantly impact the overall results and the representation of the people's will. As Botswana moves forward, addressing the issue of spoilt votes will be crucial in ensuring that every citizen's voice is accurately represented in future elections.
According to University of Botswana (UB) public policy analyst, Adam Mfundisi, it is scandalous for a country that is highly regarded as a model democracy and a working electoral regime to suffer from this phenomenon of spoilt ballot. “There has been a growing trend of many voters wasting their time and energy in queueing and then spoiling their votes. Every person's vote must count in electoral democracy for a government to be truly deemed to have legitimacy. It's plausible that this ignorance could lead to voters casting their ballots for unintended candidates," Mfundisi said. “There are many consequences for illiterate and semi-illiterate voters in exercising their democratic rights to vote for a government of their choice. Knowledge is power and it defeats fear. In effect, some candidates won or lost due to a high rate of spoilt votes undermining the quality of our democracy. Spoilt votes distort the electoral outcome." He further said all stakeholders, including government, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), political parties, and civil society, must engage in civic and political education.
He said an educated citizenry is an empowered one able to contribute to civic and political development. Mfundisi referred to SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections in SADC stating that they prescribe for active role of electoral management bodies to promote voter education. “Botswana, as the oldest democracy, has signed for it but the government pays lip service in the promotion of voter education. The IEC Act does provide for voter education by the IEC but for reasons best known to the IEC since 2019, has abdicated this golden role of educating voters on civic and political rights and responsibilities. The IEC as a statutory body enjoying some modicum of independence and autonomy from political players is better placed to provide an unbiased education of voters,” he said. In addition, Mfundisi said the IEC should mobilise state and non-state actors in civic and voter education.
He said an educated voting population is a resource for democratic consolidation. “They will be fully engaged in community and political activities ensuring accountability of politicians they have voted into office. Voters should make their representatives deliver on their electoral process. They must attend public meetings and avenues where local and national issues are discussed. They should contribute to the debates from an informed position,” he said. On the role of parties and candidates in voter education, Mfundisi said they have to mobilise an informed citizenry to participate in the voting process. He said some have won or lost because of misplaced and spoilt ballots. “This phenomenon undermines our cherished democracy on the continent and beyond. Our democratic credentials are questionable,” he said.
