Gaborone — Women in Botswana have been encouraged to take part in the political system of the country by standing for political office and voting.

The women were lectured on democracy and good governance by Emang Basadi political education officer, Moemedi Tsimanyane yesterday at the ongoing three day workshop on 'Assertiveness Training and Gender Sensitisation Workshop for Aspiring Women in Politics' at the President Hotel.

The workshop is aimed at empowering women politicians to establish strategic partnerships for effective campaigns, train aspiring women for successful campaigns and to brief them on different legislation that relates to elections.

He said democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and hold them accountable for "their policies and conduct in office". Tsimanyane said this process does not exclude women from standing and "you should make sure that you participate to be voted into office". Tsimanyane is disturbed by the fact that the political system in Botswana is dominated by the same people, mostly men, in every election because they are voted by "the same potential women who have the capacity and expertise to contest for elections with them".

The political chief said voter apathy will be a thing of the past if they vote in large numbers in all elections. He also encouraged women to be conversant with all the statutes of Botswana so that they are in a position to challenge some crucial decisions. "It is not an excuse not to know and understand the law. You have to buy these statutes and read them for your benefit," advised Tsimanyane.

He reminded the women that it is very important to have access to information available about their country, as this is another "important principle of democracy". Meanwhile, Tsimanyane complained that the country's political system is not fair in terms of access to public media. He said from time to time the opposition parties are disadvantaged as they suffer the most "because of lack of resources to reach their electorate and sell their policies".

He urged that there should equal access to the public media. Tsimanyane concurred with what the opposition parties have been complaining about saying the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is benefiting alone.

They opposition parties spoke against the use of government vehicles by the country's leaders, the President and his vice for campaigning. Another factor that worries Tsimanyane, is that the election day is not spelt out in the constitution and only the President knows it. According to him, this benefits the ruling party as their leader will issue a writ of election after he is satisfied with their own preparations. Expected to also make presentations is the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on electoral procedures.

The workshop, sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Department of Women's Affairs, ends today.