Botswana’s State Presidency Minister Kabo Morwaeng on Friday convened an All-Party Conference (APC) to discuss issues pertaining to general elections scheduled for later this year.
Representatives of 21 political parties that are registered in Botswana discussed political party funding, readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to conduct elections and the appointment of IEC commissioners.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to engage on issues affecting parties, especially that this is an election year. But you should rest assured that we will continue to engage you here consistently,” Minister Morwaeng told those in attendance.
With the last gathering held in 2019, APCs serve as a vital platform for discussing critical national issues, particularly those affecting political parties and electoral processes.
They are essential for fostering dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building among political parties.
With regards to political party funding, the forum aims to ensure transparency and fairness in campaign financing and maintain the integrity of Botswana’s electoral process.
The IEC plays a pivotal role in organising and overseeing elections, and platforms such as the APC ensure the smooth and efficient execution of electoral processes in one of Africa’s most stable countries.
The APC also ensures that the selection and appointment of IEC commissioners is not biased and facilitates the credibility and impartiality of electoral management.
The six main political parties represented in the country’s parliament are Botswana Democratic Party, Botswana Congress Party, Botswana National Front, Botswana Patriotic Front, Botswana People’s Party and Alliance for Progressives.
There are 15 smaller parties that are registered with the IEC that include the Botswana Movement for Democracy and Botswana Republican Party.
Botswana’s general elections are tentatively set for around October 2024.
JN/APA