Botswana faces electoral integrity concerns
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 1690 Views |
Declining: Botswana has seen a gradual erosion of its democratic credentials since Mogae’s tenure-report PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Botswana is set to be amongst the 70 countries holding elections this year.
However, it will not be counted amongst the 43 nations considered to conduct fully free and fair elections, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit's report published on February 15, 2024, classifying Botswana as a flawed democracy.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...