Demonstrations and protests should intensify
Friday, October 23, 2015
One way in which the masses can hold the rulers accountable is through the exercise of the right to protest through peaceful demonstrations. Moreover, pluralism is the political essence of a democratic polity; public policy ought to be an outcome of divergent contestation of ideas by various groups. Citizens of Botswana should start exercising their freedom of assembly and association as well as their freedom of expression to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of their grievances.
There are many grievances; unemployment and underemployment, poverty, wealth and income gaps, water and power shortages, poor health and education standards and poor working conditions by employers including the government. The economy is also in the hands of foreigners with Batswana spectating in the periphery or getting crumbs from the wealthy foreigners.
The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...