VICTOR BAATWENG
GABORONE - Botswana’s president, retired Lieutenant General Ian Khama has condemned the current state of affairs in the African continent where elections are being negotiated after electoral processes. Speaking at the just ended Global Electoral Organisation (GEO) conference held in Botswana’s capital Gaborone, Khama called on the GEO, “To condemn a situation where the electoral process is subverted in order to negotiate a brokered deal or settlement to compensate for the loss of power through the ballot box”.
According to Khama such situations lead to political opponents sharing power after electoral elections have been either disrupted or manipulated. “Elections exist as a means by which ordinary people are able to engage routinely in the selection of their political representatives. This process stands as a cornerstone of democracy and its integrity should be protected”, Khama pointed out.
He gave an example of the embattled Ivorian leader, Laurent Gbagbo saying he saw the hunger to remain in power as more important for him than respect for the will of the majority of people.

Khama who is Botswana’s fourth elected president pointed out that all countries should aspire to ensure that men and women are equitably involved in the democratic structures and process of their countries.

The former army man further stated that there is a need to establish credible institutions and processes to foster a vibrant democracy, supported by all national and international stakeholders and respect for the outcome by politicians.
Khama who political observers have described as a ‘disciplinarian’ told the delegates at the conference that Africa has had its share of such agreements, made between political opponents to share power after the electoral process has either been manipulated or disrupted adding, “This is a very worrying trend, which sends a wrong message to citizens about the value of their vote.”

He further pointed out that “greed, corruption and undemocratic practices have led to the manipulation of constitutions, electoral processes and the rule of law across Africa and other parts of the world.”
Blowing his own Vuvuzela Khama said, “With the guarantee of basic freedoms, Botswana has a strong political tradition to show the rest of the world. Nothing should detract us from our commitment to democratic ideals.
He further said in Botswana democracy has served us very well. We have seen it provides the foundation for good governance and prudent economic management.
The GEO conference which ended today (Wednesday) was held to address a myriad of issues related to conduct of elections and its role within the democratic framework, such as electoral reform, elections and conflict and the engagement of stakeholders in the electoral process.