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Botswana: Khama's Visit Riles Opposition
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
5 February 2008
Posted to the web 5 February 2008
Kenneth Banda
Selebi-Phikwe
While some might view Vice President Ian Khama's surprise visit to some families in the mining town as an act of benevolence, the move has been met with derision from the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF).
Khama made an unexpected visit to families in Selebi-Phikwe, going from house to house at random. In Pimville location, Khama's entourage came face-to-face with BNF activists on a house-to-house campaign. Khama's visit sparked fierce criticism from BNF members during a rally in the same location late Saturday. BNF Bontleng ward candidate Seosengeng Letshwiti said Khama would soon ascend to the presidency despite the fact that he has not been popularly elected.
"The time of dynasties is up. There is no democracy when a president is predetermined. We have such situations in countries like the DRC and Pakistan where a party belongs to certain families," Letshwiti said.
He said such a situation must end but this could only happen if the electorate speak up against the practice. Hospital ward hopeful, Nicholas Motiki said the vice president's visit brings into focus the issue of opposition funding. Motiki said Khama is able to access the constituents using public funds while the opposition candidates had to dig deeper into their pockets. Another activist, Dimpho Moruti, said Khama's ascendancy to the presidency next April 1, would mark the death of democracy. "You must understand that Khama is not a politician but a soldier and a chief. We will see dictatorship reminiscent of what happened in Nigeria during the time of military rule," Moruti said.
He said since Khama wanted restrictions on liquor trading hours, Batswana will have to go elsewhere to consume alcohol. "You will have to go and drink (alcohol) in Mafikeng (South Africa) and come back to Botswana drunk because Khama doesn't like alcohol. But the question is; what will happen to all those working in liquor related industries?" Moruti asked amid laughter from the crowd. He said it was 'ironic' that some BDP supporters say BNF leader, Otsweletse Moupo was not fit to rule because he was in debt.
Moruti added that BDP supporters were opposed to former BNF Kenneth Koma's campaigning to become state president, arguing he was single.
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He said it was surprising that BDP followers were mum on the vice president's marital status at a 'crucial time when he is about to become the country's first citizen'.
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