With results of Botswana’s Presidential election expected on Friday, Nigeria’s former President and Africa Union Chief Observer, Goodluck Jonathan says that Botswana’s peaceful approach must be emulated by many other African countries.
Jonathan told Journalists in Gaborrone, after visiting several polling units in the capital city as well as the headquarters of the central electoral body.
” Botswana is a country that has made a name in the practice of democracy from independence in 1965 to date. There is no break in democratic governance. Its a country we are always expecting the best from, Its a country we want to use their experience and what they know to share with other African countries”_
He also spoke about what the AU Observer mission saw in the field.
“We’ve gone round quite a number of polling stations. we have also had chats with our people in the hinterlands. We have a team of 30 observers speared into twelve teams spread across the whole country . At the tallying centres we have not had any adverse report as an the adhoc staff managing the elections are doing very well. There may.be few cases but on the overall they are doing very well as they are well trained and they know what they are supposed to do”.
On gender and participation of women in the political process in the Southern African nation of 2.4 million people, the former Nigerian leader had high marks for the country.
“We appreciate Botswana, because in terms of gender, most of the poll staff are women. Incidentally most of the party agents are women. We are happy with what is going on”.
Asides the presidency, votes were cast for the 61 Parliamentary seats and 609 Local Council seats.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi is seeking re-election against three other candidates.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
