Divided opposition unite,not for regime change
Spira Tlhankane | Friday March 1, 2024 14:33
For many years, the opposition has failed to fully cooperate and form a strong alliance that could effectively help them remove the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power since independence. Main opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has gained and lost members since 2012 making regime change a feat difficult to achieve.
Other opposition cooperation efforts prior to 2012 collapsed without results. In what has become a historic move, the opposition parties have united to speak with one voice against rigging in a ‘temporary ceasefire’ but once their common goal is achieved, they will all go back to fighting from opposing sides as the general election nears.
Leaders of opposition parties mostly secretaries-general this week informed the nation that all registered opposition parties have agreed to demonstrate against what they allege as massive rigging by the BDP with the help of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The opposition parties have always remained adamant in their belief that the upcoming general election will be rigged by the BDP. Speaking on behalf of the parties, Botswana National Front (BNF) secretary-general (SG), Ketlhalefile Motshwegwa claimed that the BDP is harbouring a massive election rigging therefore, as the opposition they are planning to hold a demonstration soon.
He indicated that the purpose of the demonstration is to sensitise Batswana about the election and possible rigging. Motshegwa also said through the demonstration they will be calling for peaceful, transparent and fair election. “We want attention of the people of this country, international community that there is a plan of rigging and distortion.
The electoral process is very important because it can lead to peace or conflict,” he said. He added that they have a programme of action to tackle rigging issues. Motshegwa said their desire is to make sure that the plan of action is successful and impactful to force for electoral reforms.
He revealed that they have a coordinating structure which includes the SGs from all opposition parties, adding that they will have a reference platform for the leadership from all political parties in order to give guidance on the way forward. In their plan of action, he also announced that the Women’s League and Youth League will meet this coming week in order to take part in the mobilisation and organisation. The trade unionist-cum-politician added that part of their programme of action includes delivering write ups to the international community, which include and embassies of different countries.
“We don’t exist in isolation, the international community need to know that the house is burning in Botswana. Wwe have a task force to mobilise civil society to do their civic duty,” he pointed out. Motshegwa stated the will of the people must be reflected after the election, thus as the opposition they believe in the peace, stability and harmony of this country. “We are not impatient in regime change but we love this country. There should be transparent, free and fair and credible election,” he said. Motshegwa added that a simmering relationship between IEC and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had them even more worried.
He said their campaign has nothing to do with the people of Zimbabwe. He pointed out that they are not sure if the IEC will break or worsen after their plan of action. He said if IEC worsens off after the demonstration it will call for a different strategy. “Elections are all about the people and it’s up to the latter to say enough is enough.
There will be more action depending on the response of the IEC.” He said they will have built up activities which include petitioning at various constituencies countrywide mobilisation to agitate the people that this is their time to stand up for their democracy. “We believe that the way we are determined to do this it is something that will unite us,” he said. Speaking of unity, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) SG Goretetse Kekgonegile said as much as they are 'united' for this mission currently there is no consent from members to form an alliance. He emphasised that they are different political parties which get mandates from the membership. “It is the members who will direct us on which route to take. We cannot as leadership just because we have agreed on this minimal programme to broaden it further on our own. Currently, the membership has taken a decision that we will go into the elections as we are,” he clarified. As the opposition comes together in the cessation of hostilities for this specific purpose some people feel that there is room for cooperation but the parties do not want to explore it.
The opposition seemed set in 2019 when the BCP contested the elections under the UDC but leadership fallout between 2021 and 2022 saw the former leaving the coalition to go at it alone. While the BCP initially saw a potential like-minded party in the Alliance for Progressives (AP), a fight for constituencies saw the short-lived would be union collapse last year during constituency allocation negotiations. AP, which is a splinter party of expelled former UDC affiliate Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) then joined the UDC in what was an unexpected move.
After overcoming internal fights, an opposition party which was formed on the eve of the 2019 polls Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) also joined the UDC. Now, the coalition consists of AP, BPF and founding members being the BNF and Botswana People’s Party (BPP). The BCP after exiting the UDC opted to cooperate with the BNF splinter Botswana Labour Party (BLP). On the other hand, the BMD now under the leadership of Reverend Thuso Tiego has resurrected while former BPF president Biggie Butale also formed his own party called Botswana Republican Party (BRP). There are many opposition political parties but they don't seem to cooperate and compromise for change of government. At the moment it’s a truce for opposition sides to suspend rivalry but as they have indicated, it is just temporary and time-bound.