Former President Ian Khama has raised alarm over the possibility of Zimbabweans being allowed to vote in Botswana’s upcoming elections. He criticized President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s proposal to utilize national IDs for border travel with Zimbabwe, fearing it may facilitate electoral manipulation. Khama cited a recent occurrence in Mozambique, where Zimbabweans participated in general elections, as a concerning precedent, suggesting similar could happen in Botswana.
In a recent statement, former Botswana President Ian Khama expressed serious concerns regarding the upcoming general elections, alleging that the current government might utilize Zimbabweans to manipulate the voting process. While endorsing Modiri Jojo Lucas as the parliamentary candidate for the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) in Francistown South, Khama cautioned the public about the potential infiltration of Zimbabwean voters in the electoral process. Khama highlighted the initiative by President Mokgweetsi Masisi to permit the use of national Identity Cards for travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe, deeming it questionable and a cause for alarm among the citizens. He stated, “Early this year, Masisi advocated for use of IDs between the borders of these two countries. More concerning is that he lashed out at Members of Parliament who expressed concern about such an arrangement and defended it.” Khama criticized Masisi’s eagerness to establish a bilateral agreement with Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, he referenced a recent report by the Zimbabwean newspaper, The Mirror Masvingo, which revealed that several Zimbabweans, including journalists, successfully participated in Mozambique’s general elections, raising fears that a similar scenario could unfold in Botswana to benefit the ruling party. In the past year, President Masisi had proposed the ID policy during the Kusi Ideas Festival, emphasizing that he and Mnangagwa had reached an initial agreement and that any formalization would require consultation. However, Khama’s comments suggest growing apprehension regarding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly following parliamentary discussions where the president criticized dissenting MPs for allegedly displaying xenophobic sentiments.
The current political landscape in Botswana has raised tensions surrounding the electoral process, especially regarding the potential involvement of foreign nationals in voting. Former President Ian Khama, a prominent figure in Botswana’s political scene, has voiced his concerns about President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s recent policy to allow the use of national Identity Cards for border travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe. This development has ignited fears of electoral fraud, particularly in light of Khama’s allegations that Zimbabweans might be enabled to vote in Botswana’s elections, reminiscent of recent events in Mozambique where Zimbabweans were reported to have cast votes.
In light of Ian Khama’s allegations, the political atmosphere in Botswana appears increasingly charged with concerns over the integrity of the upcoming general elections. Khama’s warning regarding the possible voting rights granted to Zimbabweans via ID policies raises serious questions about the electoral processes and highlights the need for transparency and unencumbered dialogue among all stakeholders involved. As the election date approaches, close scrutiny and vigilance will be paramount in safeguarding the democratic ideals that underpin Botswana’s governance.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
