Ian Khama has accused the Botswana government of potentially allowing Zimbabweans to vote in the upcoming elections via a controversial ID travel arrangement facilitated by President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Khama expresses concern regarding the implications for electoral integrity, referencing recent electoral events in Mozambique that saw Zimbabweans voting without barriers. He calls for increased awareness and vigilance among Batswana.
Former President of Botswana, Ian Khama, has raised serious allegations regarding potential electoral manipulation in Botswana’s upcoming general elections. During a recent event where he endorsed Modiri Jojo Lucas as the parliamentary candidate for the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) in Francistown South, Khama expressed concerns over President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s proposal allowing the use of national Identity Cards (IDs) for travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe, suggesting this could lead to the infiltration of Zimbabwean voters at polling stations. Khama stated, “Early this year, Masisi advocated for use of IDs between the borders of these two countries,” questioning the motives behind this move. He emphasized the lack of proper consultation, stating, “Why was he eager to bring an arrangement that he made only with his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emerson Mnangagwa?” Khama further speculated that if Zimbabweans could vote in Mozambique’s recent elections, a similar infiltration could occur in Botswana to favor the ruling party. This concern stems from reports that Zimbabweans, including journalists, faced no difficulties casting votes in Mozambique. At a recent Kusi Ideas Festival, President Masisi had suggested the ID travel arrangement was agreed upon in principle with President Mnangagwa, promoting it as a means to strengthen ties between the two nations. However, his vigorous defense of the proposal in Parliament, despite objections, led Khama to label such sentiments as alarming and xenophobic.
The political landscape in Botswana has been increasingly contentious, especially with the approach of general elections. Ian Khama, who served as Botswana’s president from 2008 to 2018, has emerged as a vocal opponent of the current government’s strategies. His recent allegations highlight fears regarding electoral integrity and the influence of foreign nationals in Botswana’s democratic processes. Khama’s comments come in light of a broader conversation surrounding national identity, immigration policies, and the role of identity documents in facilitating cross-border movement between Botswana and Zimbabwe, especially in the context of electoral participation.
In summary, former President Ian Khama has articulated significant concerns over the use of national IDs for travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe, suggesting it could lead to electoral manipulation by allowing Zimbabweans to vote in Botswana. His calls for vigilance among Batswana highlight the critical nature of maintaining electoral integrity, particularly as tensions rise ahead of the forthcoming elections. The discussion around this issue underlines the complexities of immigration and national identity as they pertain to democratic processes in Botswana.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
