We salute Mma Hobona
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
For the first time in the history of what is touted as Africa's oldest democracy, the distaff section of the Botswana population has a representative directly elected from the ranks of the opposition. Ladies and gentlemen, we present Dr Habaudi Hobona, the mint new Member of Parliament for Francistown West! And although the voter turnout was quite low, thanks mainly to the yo-yo antics that surrounded the constituency, we say more power to your elbow, Dr Hobona! Inspite of the country's much-vaunted democratic credentials, she joins a Parliament packed with men (many of them closet male chauvinists) with no more than a smattering of women of the domineering Botswana Democratic Party, half of whom are bereft of the popular vote, having entered the House by means of the notorious special election.
Figures released by the country’s electoral management body have shown that a total of 1, 037, 684 people have registered to vote.However, eligible voters could be discouraged by events leading to the voting day like poor execution of advance voting amid talks that the elections could be unfair.There have also been threats by certain opposition politicians that shall the elections not be free and fair, they will halt them.Despite these...