Former President Ian Khama has accused the Botswana government of manipulating the upcoming elections by potentially allowing Zimbabweans to vote, following President Masisi’s proposal for ID use across borders. He highlights the risk of foreign interference, especially after reports of Zimbabwean voting in Mozambique’s elections, potentially foreshadowing similar occurrences in Botswana.
In a recent statement, former Botswana President Ian Khama expressed serious concerns regarding the potential manipulation of the upcoming general elections, alleging that the current government may attempt to allow Zimbabwean citizens to vote in Botswana. Speaking at the launch of Modiri Jojo Lucas as the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) parliamentary candidate in Francistown South, Khama highlighted that the advocacy by President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the use of national Identity Cards (IDs) for crossing borders into Botswana from Zimbabwe raises significant alarm. Khama argued, “Early this year, Masisi advocated for use of IDs between the borders of these two countries.” He elaborated on the implications of this policy, insisting that it could facilitate foreign interference in Botswana’s electoral process. Furthermore, Khama criticized President Masisi for his comments towards Members of Parliament who had voiced concerns about the ID arrangement, accusing him of prioritizing an agreement with Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa without proper consultation with Batswana. He asserted that if Zimbabweans had successfully participated in the recent elections in Mozambique, then similar voting infiltration could potentially occur in Botswana to benefit the ruling party. Khama’s remarks underscore a growing anxiety about electoral integrity as Botswana approaches the polls.
The current political climate in Botswana has been marked by increasing tensions surrounding electoral integrity and foreign influence. Former President Ian Khama’s allegations stem from a broader narrative that questions the implications of cross-border agreements, particularly between Botswana and Zimbabwe. President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s advocacy for the use of National Identification Cards for travel between the two nations has ignited debate among Botswana’s political leaders. As the country approaches its general elections, there remains heightened scrutiny over the potential impact of such policies on the political landscape and the electoral process itself.
In conclusion, Ian Khama’s allegations regarding the possible influence of Zimbabwean voters in Botswana’s electoral process raise significant concerns about the integrity of upcoming elections. His statements suggest a perceived existential threat to Botswana’s sovereignty, compounded by the current government’s controversial border policy with Zimbabwe. As the political atmosphere intensifies, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will affect voter sentiment and the overall electoral outcome.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
