Report reveals how the UDC won and lost 2019 General Elections
Opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was poised to win the 2019 General Elections until a month before the polls.
According to the African report, In On Africa (ION), an African-focused research and consulting firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa, which researched and compiled a review of the General Elections of Botswana held in October 2019, dubbed ‘Botswana Elections review 2019’ – UDC lost at the eleventh hour. “At the conclusion of the fieldwork research, early in September 2019, it seemed as though UDC was poised to win the elections when considering respondents more positive view of the opposition,” the contentious report released this week posits.
The study found that the UDC edged past the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in both how positively the public perceives the parties as well as the extent to which the electorate was willing to trust these parties. Though it was bound to be an extremely close contest, it continues to highlight that the results of the study “raised questions as to what might have tilted the balance” to end up being in favour of the BDP rather than the UDC.
However, it highlights that one must equally remain cognisant of the electoral system, where the seats in parliament fail to effectively capture the true nature of the contest even though BDP triumphed. “The outcome once again showed that Botswana’s ruling party remains the preferred political entity. What might not be as striking is that the change within the BDP and UDC signify the evolution of Botswana politics,” it further says.
It also acknowledges that the new face of BDP President Mokgweetsi Masisi coupled with the full force of the opposition has fostered an electorate that appears to be divided between these two main contenders. “Overall, the pre-election sentiment saw the UDC edging past the BDP, although voting patterns in which a portion of the electorate would vote according to the 50-year-old status quo remains an additional layer of consideration that holds the potential to render the UDC’s edge moot,” ION report states.
Considering the outcome of the 2019 elections, it further observes that one might be inclined to disagree with the preceding section’s argument that the elections were truly tight. However the study contends that there proved to be a higher impetus on keeping the BDP in power than there was to remove the BDP from power which, in turn, could be seen as a potential factor edging the BDP above UDC, despite the latter’s relatively positive public image.
Then again, the option of ‘building a better government and stronger country’ might also be seen as a positive indication on the UDC’s support. This, however, is a sentiment shared by the opposition as well as Masisi due to the latter being seen as a force of change within the BDP, the African report asserts. “On the side of voting de-motivators, further detriment is directed at the UDC. Despite their pursuit to cater for the interests and needs of all Batswana, a noteworthy portion of the electorate were discouraged due to ‘none of the parties representing their interests’ and the sentiment that ‘all parties are equally bad,’ ION states.
The study also observes that the presence of these sentiments suggests that the UDC is not the all-inclusive party they were thought to be, or that their campaigns proved not to have appealed as wholly as was the goal. “A key consideration is also the President of the UDC’s controversial conduct during the 2019 Presidential Debate. It can be argued that Boko’s actions, among other factors, during this debate might have been enough to slightly tip the scales in the BDP’s favour,” the research study points out.
2019 elections presented a departure from a strong personality cult
According to the report, more than 50 years after its independence, Botswana politics is finally showing true transformation, slowly edging itself into contemporary domestic politics. It explains that “whether Masisi’s appointment was coincidental or the result of some grand scheme by BDP stalwarts such as the late Sir Ketumile Masire and the former President Festus Mogae, or even a ploy between Khama and Masisi, the key takeaway from this event is that Botswana’s 2019 election has initiated a departure from strong personality politics vested in the Khama legacy, towards a higher emphasis on service delivery and policy discourse.”
Purpose of the Botswana elections review 2019 report
The report is a culmination of in-depth research that IOA has conducted over the past six months focusing on Botswana’s 2019 General Elections. The report has two primary objectives: 1) to provide the readers with expert insight into the developments leading up to and directly following the elections that took place in October 2019; 2) to serve as a sample of IOA’s political analysis that IOA’s team regularly conducts across the African continent.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.