Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi is standing by the country’s electoral commission in response to criticism regarding its preparedness as voting commenced on Wednesday. Critics pointed out that some polling stations opened late, there were insufficient locations to accommodate the number of voters, and long lines formed at various sites.
After casting his vote in his home village of Moshupa, located southwest of Gaborone, Masisi, who is vying for a second and final term, expressed confidence in his electoral success. This election will shape the composition of parliament, with lawmakers later selecting the president.
Masisi expressed satisfaction with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), despite criticism from opposition parties regarding its management during the pre-election phase. He noted that any perception of the IEC lacking independence from the executive branch is largely superficial, explaining that the budget process necessitates the executive to present a budget that encompasses all government sectors, including the judiciary.
“Some are suggesting that for the IEC to be independent, they must go to parliament to present their own budget. But they are not members of parliament. How do you get an independent body to account to politicians?” Masisi remarked.
Voting began, though some polling stations experienced delays in opening. IEC spokesperson Osupile Maroba acknowledged the challenges but stated that they were resolved quickly to allow voters to participate.
On the eve of the election, opposition parties had taken the IEC to court, questioning its readiness. Maroba commented that the parties were within their rights to seek legal intervention, stating, “We are dealing with a sensitive emotive process that will always bring about complaints and challenges, leading to court actions. As Botswana’s laws allow, anyone dissatisfied with a process has avenues for seeking redress.”
Masisi suggested that a digital voting system could enhance the efficiency of the polling process. Some voters arrived as early as 4 a.m. One voter, Mosedi Kenosi, expressed frustration with the slow process, saying, “Maybe I will go back later. The process has been slow. I waited for more than three hours to vote, and the verification takes forever, which discourages voters.”
The elections occur amid an economic downturn linked to weak global diamond sales, prompting the opposition to criticize Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party for not providing adequate solutions. Polling stations were scheduled to close at 7 p.m., with early results anticipated on Thursday morning.
