Cabinet sitting on reformer IEC report
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IEC says they only implement the electoral law as it is
Cabinet is sitting on a detailed report comprising of recommendations by Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and various stakeholders including the general public that would see Botswana’s electoral laws being reformed.
The report which is extracted from election observer reports and IEC internal evaluation reports was submitted to the executive following the 2009 general elections – for any possible action to effect the reforms.
WeekendPost has established that the executive is expected, under normal circumstances, to discuss the report contents and propel the debate further to parliament. The executive instructs the Attorney General Chambers to draft the bill and then it goes to the parliament floor to be debated where if passed by parliament it becomes law.
Sources at the IEC are concerned that although the 2014 elections evaluation process has commenced, the 2009 recommendations are yet to be attended to. There were submitted way back by the IEC to the executive for action. This according to sources does not help efforts to empower the IEC and make the electoral process credible and as effective as possible. The report recommendations come from vigorous consultations with stakeholders and the general populace across the country.
This publication understands that some recommendations keep coming up after various elections with cabinet taking no action. “It seems the system works for them (executive) and so they may not want to rock the boat on reforms as yet,” the source further told this publication.
Independence of IEC
In the report, stakeholders have recommended that Botswana should consider moving speedily to enact the IEC Act as a way of enhancing the status of the IEC as an independent, robust authority able to deliver credible elections. IEC was established by section 65A of the constitution. However, it is not established as an independent legal entity with a legal status separate from government. The recommendation is not helped by the fact that IEC is housed under the auspices of the Office of the president and therefore reports directly to the office.
Furthermore, “there is no provision which states that IEC, in the exercise of functions, shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority (as was the case in the previous section 66 (7) of the constitution relating to the supervisor of elections).” There have been growing concerns from opposition parties and some sections in the society with regard to the institutional independence of the IEC.
Election of the president
According to the report, it is in the interest of strengthening Botswana’s democracy and removing any doubts Botswana may wish to consider amending the constitution to provide for the election of the president by popular vote. It further says that although this will add to the cost of the electoral process and will increase the workload of the IEC, it is worth exploring. IEC says that the proposal requires a political decision as it is peripheral to the IEC mandate.
Under section 32 of the Constitution of Botswana, “whenever parliament is dissolved, an election of the office of the president shall be held in such a manner as is prescribed by this section…or under an Act of parliament.”
Political party funding
The report suggests that Botswana should consider introducing state funding for political parties. It says: “the failure to do so imposes serious constraints on the consolidation of competitive politics in the country. Countries in the region which make provision for such funding include Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.”
The IEC is of the view that, similar to the debate on which electoral system is best for Botswana (first-past-the-post, proportional representation, or a mixed system) or the issue of whether or not Botswana should have direct presidential elections – party funding called for a political decision and was therefore beyond the mandate of the IEC.
However the IEC resolved to request cabinet to give serious consideration to the recommendations made by stakeholders on public funding of political parties.
The report observes the importance of political party funding on the basis of the agitation for party funding by small political parties and their candidates. It also argues against the current set up which encourages unfairness promoted by incumbency.
Specially elected members
Stakeholders have recommended that the country should explore the formula for nomination of specially elected representatives (i.e who qualifies for nomination, appointing authority, criterion of candidate selection and participation other stakeholders) to make it more inclusive and representative of the country’s political landscape.
Section 58 (2) (b) of the constitution states that specially elected members shall be elected in accordance with the first schedule if the constitution and subject there to in accordance with the provisions of any Act of parliament.
Appointment of Secretary
The Secretary to the IEC is appointed by the President under section 66 (2) of the constitution. They argue in the report that since the appointment is not subject to any vetting by an independent authority, there are no checks to ensure that the Secretary will be independent from the appointing authority.
As such the stakeholders recommended that the constitution should be amended to provide for the appointment of the Secretary to the Commission by the IEC. IEC also supports the review of the manner in which the Secretary is appointed, “it should be done in a transparent manner,” they say.
Appointment by the Commissioners
Report further states that IEC Commissioners must be appointed by and be accountable to parliament and their appointment being an inclusive and consultative process, taking into account the diverse political interest in Botswana. It says this will enhance the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.
Section 65A (4) of the constitution states that: “…appointments of the chairman and members of the commission shall be made at the last dissolution of every two successive lives of parliament.” This means that, just before every second general election, a new IEC is appointed. The new IEC is then responsible for conducting the general election.
Penalties for voter traffickers
Various stakeholders who helped compile the report are of the view that electoral law should adequately provide for stiff penalties for politicians and people who perpetrate illegal voter registration in a similar way as it does with voters who illegally register for elections.
The report further states that the electoral Act should be amended to accommodate voting by prisoners; and also says there is a need for a provision in the electoral law on media coverage to enforce equitable and balanced media coverage of election camapaigns.
Meanwhile sources at the IEC also believe that if the executive takes the recommendations seriously they can take the matter to parliament and given the ruling party’s numerical strength, they are likely to pass them into law, if there is the political will – and the IEC will be more empowered by the law to deliver on its mandate.
Meanwhile the evaluation of the 2014 general elections is still underway and another report is expected to be released soon.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.