The Botswana government has dismissed demands for an independent audit of the disputed 2019 General Elections, quelling fresh calls for an inquiry into allegations of electoral fraud and rigging.
Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, addressed Parliament, affirming that the administration will focus on economic transformation, job creation, and electoral reforms rather than revisiting past election controversies. This stance persists despite persistent accusations from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) that the 2019 polls were manipulated in favor of the then-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Responding to Serowe South MP Lesedi Lesedi, Mohwasa acknowledged the UDC’s consistent claims that the elections were unfair and its legal challenges through election petitions. Yet he made clear that the government would not authorize a forensic audit or reopen investigations into allegations involving bodies such as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS).
The parliamentary inquiry sought clarification on whether the administration had investigated claims of electoral fraud, whether those allegedly involved would face legal consequences, and whether former BDP officials could be held accountable. It also referenced a contentious forensic report by South African group Forensics for Justice, led by Paul O’Sullivan, which alleged possible election rigging, money laundering, and fraud linked to the 2019 elections.
Mohwasa noted that although the UDC challenged the results in court, many petitions were dismissed on procedural and technical grounds before substantive allegations could be examined. He argued that reopening the issue years later would distract from the government’s urgent priorities of economic recovery, job creation, and governance reforms. “As the UDC government, our main focus is on economic transformation, employment creation and improvement of governance architecture in Botswana,” Mohwasa said.
Rather than investigating past claims, the government has committed to pursuing electoral reforms through consultations with political parties and stakeholders. The Minister announced that an All Party Conference would be convened at the end of July to discuss reforms, with further changes expected following the Comprehensive Constitutional Review.
The government’s refusal to audit the 2019 election underscores a delicate political balancing act between addressing historical grievances and prioritizing national development. For years, the UDC built significant political momentum on claims that the 2019 election process was compromised, making the issue central to debates about democratic accountability in Botswana. Now in power following its landmark 2024 electoral victory, the party faces pressure from supporters who expected a thorough investigation into allegations that shaped its opposition platform.
Still, the decision not to pursue an audit raises questions about whether unresolved electoral disputes can be sidelined without eroding public trust in democratic institutions. While the government insists that economic transformation and reforms are more pressing, critics may see this as a missed chance to provide closure and reinforce confidence in the electoral system. A transparent review, even if it found no wrongdoing, could have helped establish a clear public record and bolster trust in bodies like the IEC.
At the same time, launching a politically charged investigation into a past election risks deepening divisions and fueling perceptions of political vendetta. Botswana, historically one of Africa’s more stable democracies, appears intent on safeguarding institutional continuity while improving future electoral processes rather than targeting former political rivals.
The challenge for the UDC administration will be ensuring that electoral reforms are substantial enough to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency. Reform efforts must extend beyond technical fixes to address fundamental concerns about electoral independence, campaign financing, security institutions, and public confidence in election management. The forthcoming All Party Conference will be a crucial test of whether Botswana’s political actors can move beyond past accusations and build stronger democratic safeguards for the future.
Ultimately, the decision not to audit the 2019 elections does not close the chapter on that contentious vote. Instead, it places the onus on the government to deliver reforms that reassure citizens future elections will be more transparent, credible, and resistant to manipulation.