Botswana National Elections 2014

[LazyLion]

VOTING BEGINS IN TIGHTLY CONTESTED BOTSWANA ELECTIONS

Polling stations opened Friday in nationwide elections that will determine Botswana's next president and bring a slew of fierce political campaigns to a close.

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has ruled the southern African country since 1965, faces a tough challenge from a recently united opposition.

More than 820,000 people have registered to vote, slightly more than in 2009.

Three opposition parties, including the Botswana Movement for Democracy which split from the BDP in 2010, have joined forces to form the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

Another runner for the opposition is the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), currently third-largest in the 61-member parliament.

President Ian Khama - in office since 2008 - retains a certain measure of popularity thanks to the stability of the diamond-based economy and generous social programmes.

But his government's widely praised record in fighting corruption and maintaining the freedom of expression has begun to dim.

Many analysts nevertheless expected power to remain in the hands of the BDP, which enjoys support especially in rural areas among Khama's majoritarian Tswana ethnic group.

The leader of the party that gains a simple majority in the unicameral system is elected president by parliament.


Source : Sapa-dpa /gf/tk
Date : 24 Oct 2014 06:44

 

[LazyLion]

RULING PARTY FACES INVIGORATED OPPOSITION AS BOTSWANA VOTES

Botswana's ruling party, in power since independence, faces a stern test against an invigorated opposition as voters go to the polls Friday to elect a new parliament.

Dubbed "Judgement Day" by local media, the general election will see President Ian Khama attempt to secure a second term, following a lavish campaign anchored on the successes of his party's long history in office.

Khama's Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has governed the landlocked diamond-rich southern African country since independence from Britain in 1966.

Khama is battling to win over voters in urban areas, where opposition parties have made some inroads since the formation of a breakaway party, the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) in 2010.

The 61-year-old son of the country's first president Seretse Khama, Ian Khama is also a traditional chief of the Bangwato clan and can count on strong rural support.

Underscoring his countryside appeal, Khama will cast his vote in the central town of Serowe, which has given Botswana three presidents -- two Khamas as well as Festus Mogae.

Despite Botswana's relatively solid economic performance during the global financial crisis, the incumbent is running on a platform of change.

"I am pained that we have not been able to do more for our citizens who cannot find work, especially our talented youth... we must do more," Khama said in a letter to the nation last week.

With the global financial crisis leading to a drop in diamond revenues, Khama's government has halted planned investment, leading to growing unemployment and a slow progress in diversify the economy.

Fighting to topple Khama is Dumelang Saleshando, leader of the official opposition, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).

According to an Afrobarometer report issued last week, the BCP -- which has campaigned under the slogan "Ready to Lead" -- is the fastest growing party in the country.

Another major contender is Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a coalition of parties which will be contesting the elections for the first time.

Boko has accused Khama of being increasingly authoritarian, arguing the country needs and change in leader.

But few expect a change this time round.

"Victory for the Khama and the BDP is certain," said 31-year-old Frances Khomo in Gaborone.

"I don't see anyone who is good enough to lead other than the BDP, they have the experience of running the country and deserve more votes."

The Botswana Electoral Commission said it was confident of a "peaceful and professionally run election" stating that voting materials were ready to be sent to all voting stations.

"The conduct of the parties has been impressive... we are confident of delivering a hassle-free vote," said commission spokesman Osupile Maroba.

More than 824,000 people are registered to vote. Polling stations will open at 6:30 am (0430 GMT) and close at 1700 GMT.


Source : Sapa-AFP /gf
Date : 24 Oct 2014 05:12

 

[LazyLion]

BOTSWANA'S PRESIDENT SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM

The president of diamond-rich Botswana was Tuesday sworn in for a second term after staving off the fiercest challenge so far to his party's nearly 50 years of rule.

Ian Khama, 61, pledged to reduce Botswana's economic dependence on diamonds and to develop agriculture, tourism and information technologies.

"Our ongoing success in establishing our country as a global hub to market diamond processing should now serve as a beacon of what we can also accomplish in other areas," said Khama.

His Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has ruled the southern African country since independence from Britain in 1966, overseeing its rise from one of the world's 25 poorest countries to a middle-income country thanks to diamond production.

The BDP took 37 seats in the 61-member parliament in the October 24 elections.

The newly formed three-party opposition alliance Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) took 17 seats, the highest number ever gained by an opposition party.

The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) came third with three seats.

The UDC criticized the BCP for not joining forces with it.

"If all the opposition parties had been under the UDC in these elections, the BDP would be the opposition," it said in a statement.

The BDP remains popular thanks to the stable economy and generous social programmes, but its record in fighting corruption and maintaining the freedom of expression has begun to dim.


Source : Sapa-dpa /kd/th
Date : 28 Oct 2014 13:18