| URL: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy, Law, Economics and Politics - Deepening Democracy through Access to Information | This privately-owned website is operated and maintained by Creamer Media | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Polity
Article by: Bradley Dubbelman Published: 26 Oct 2009
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Botswana: Postelection Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior to the October elections, there were two main issues that threatened to undercut President Ian Khama's BDP party. The first was the poor state of the economy. In recent months, the world's biggest diamond producer, which has a history of budget surpluses, as well as sound and stable economic policies, has experienced debilitating effects associated with the global economic crisis. Botswana is particularly vulnerable to economic shocks associated with the diamond industry as the mineral accounts for almost 40% of the Southern African country's economy. The global slowdown in demand for the mineral has plunged Botswana into debt forcing the country to take loans from China, South Africa, as well as the African Development Bank in recent months. Prior to the poll, analysts predicted that the population's frustration with the state of the economy could translate into a loss of support for the BDP. The second potential threat to the BDP's support base was that of internal squabbles and infighting within the party. Discontent among party supporters and political infighting threatened to detract support from the party as high-level feuds have led to speculation of a party split in the future. The recent suspension by Khama of the party's secretary-general, Gomolemo Motswaledi, for allegedly undermining his authority illustrates the party infighting within the BDP. In addition, Khama is reported to be entangled in a number of disputes with the party's chairperson. The feuding has recently intensified with charges of autocracy and populism being levelled at the President. The intense infighting was perceived prior to the elections to be potentially a deterring factor for voters to vote for the BDP. Election Results As widely expected, the 2009 election was won by the BDP with 53,26% of the vote. What was surprising however, was the fact that the party was able to increase its majority despite the potential detracting threats of the poor state of the economy and political infighting. The proportion of the vote, gives the BDP a commanding 45 seats out of 57 seats in the National Assembly. Therefore, neither the economic conditions in the country, nor the political infighting in the BDP deterred, nor detracted, from BDP support. This can be interpreted as the electorate not directly blaming the ruling BDP for the economic crisis, as well as viewing the party's internal problems as not having an effect on the BDP's governing capacity. Opposition party, the BNF's support dropped drastically from 26,06% in 2004 to 21,94% in the recent polls giving them six seats in the National Assembly. Their loss of support can be attributed to the rise in support of the BCP (which split from the BNF in 1998). The BCP achieved 19,15% of the vote, compared to the 16,62% in 2004, giving them four seats in the National Assembly. Fringe parties the BAM and the BPP's support remained relatively constant achieving 2,27% and 1,39% of the vote respectively. The BAM gained one seat in the National Assembly. Future Challenges Ian Khama comes into his next term as President with a number of challenges before him. The most important one will be to revitalise the economy. With a 10% economic contraction predicted, Khama is faced with the task of diversifying the economy and stimulating local industry. In an inaugural speech given outside Parliament in Gaborone, Khama urged the private sector to work with the government in order to stimulate growth. Keeping in line with previous policies, Khama has also indicated a return to prudent financial management, which has made Botswana so attractive to investors in the past. Besides the economy, Khama also is faced with reconciling party differences in order to create a unified ruling structure. With a possible future split, Khama will have his work cut out to create cohesive policies within his party in order to effectively run the country. Despite these challenges that the incoming regime faces, it is clear that the Botswana electorate have provided overwhelming support for the BDP which affectively gives them a strong mandate to govern the country. Main Sources Independent Electoral Commission - Botswana: 2009 election results (October 21, 2009) Polity - Botswana to vote amid rising discontent (October 15, 2009. Polity - Botswana poll marked by discontent over economy (October 16, 2009). Polity - Botswana votes, Khama seen retaining power (October 16, 2009). Polity - Botswana's Khama sworn in after landslide vote win (October 20, 2009). Polity - Botswana's President Khama wins new term (October 19, 2009). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||