by Lekopanye Mooketsi – SANF 04 no 96
The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), re-elected into power following the 30 October general elections, has reaffirmed its determination to improve the living standards of the country’s 1.7 million people.
“Now is time to go back to work. In commencing that work we must be mindful of the voices of the people with whom we interacted during the election campaigns,” said Mogae in his inauguration speech.
“The renewal of a mandate and the inauguration of the President of the Republic is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities we have towards the people of Botswana,” said Mogae, adding, “Together we have a contract and common purpose to eradicate poverty, create employment and combat the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The situation demands urgent action and the needs are compelling.”
The active participation by the electorate in the peaceful national elections demonstrated their strong belief in Botswana’s Vision 2016 and the National principles on which the nation is founded, namely: Democracy, Development, Self Reliance and National Unity.
Local and regional observers declared the Botswana elections free and fair. They expressed their satisfaction in the polling and the counting process, which they described as having been conducted in an environment free of violence.
BDP captured 44 out of the 57 contested constituencies. The main opposition party, the Botswana National Front (BNF), won 12 seats while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) could salvage only one constituency.
Botswana has regressed on the SADC gender target of 30 percent women representation by 2005, with the number of elected women members of parliament falling from seven in the past parliament to four. With women’s representation dropping to seven percent of elected parliamentarians, Botswana found itself climbing down the regional ladder from sixth to twelfth position (ahead of Mauritius).
Both South Africa and Malawi, which held elections earlier this year, registered increases in the number of women in parliament, from 30 to 32.8 percent, and 8 to 17 percent respectively.
However, President Mogae has used his prerogative to slightly improve the situation, appointing three women out of four non-constituency MPs whom he nominates. Only 12 women had contested in this year’s elections. Women make up 51 percent of the more than 500,000 registered voters.
Botswana hosts SADC headquarters, and will chair the organisation from August next year.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which also declared the elections as free and fair, has recommended that parties should institute deliberate affirmative action measures to promote the equitable participation and representation of women in political processes. They said that it is important for women to take an active role in dealing with the country’s major challenges, including poverty and HIV and AIDS.
Mogae said emphasis should be put on the Ninth National Development Plan (NDP 9), which outlines policies and programmes aimed at enhancing economic diversification and sustainable development.
“My government will focus greater efforts on timeous and efficient project implementation, service delivery and customer satisfaction. However, it is incumbent on us all to deliver,” he said.
As a small state, Mogae said Botswana is deeply conscious of the fact that the country’s prosperity is enhanced by the prosperity of its southern African neighbours. “This is why we remain committed to strengthening regional integration and economic cooperation. We must maintain an outward looking approach if we are to be competitive in the global economy.
“In this respect, we look forward to hosting the Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) next year when the organisation will be marking its silver jubilee,” he said.
“At continental level, we, like other Africans and the international community at large, look forward to the realisation of the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“We are convinced that NEPAD embodies the hopes and aspirations of our peoples for a more peaceful, democratic and economically prosperous Africa. We are anxious that this imaginative, bold and courageous initiative should succeed in turning that hope into reality,” he said. (SARDC)
