The UDC has yet to settle its position on electronic voting machines it previously opposed, while the Manual Workers Union demands their removal from electoral reform proposals
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is yet to take a position on the proposed introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), despite having fiercely opposed the technology while in opposition, raising questions about whether the ruling coalition is reconsidering its long-standing stance on the controversial electoral system.
Coalition Undecided
The uncertainty follows proposals reportedly submitted by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) during recent All-Party Conference discussions on electoral reforms, including the possible introduction of electronic voting.
Speaking in an interview with The Botswana Gazette, UDC Policy Director Dr Patrick Molutsi said the ruling coalition had not yet adopted an official position on the BDP proposal.
Union Opposition
Molutsi said the UDC leadership was expected to meet this week to deliberate on the matter before communicating its position.
His remarks contrast with the coalition’s previously unequivocal opposition to EVMs, which it vigorously resisted while in opposition.
Reform Demands
The development raises questions about whether the UDC will maintain its long-standing position on electronic voting now that it controls the government.
The proposed introduction of EVMs is likely to reignite debate over electoral transparency, public confidence and the credibility of Botswana’s electoral system.
Meanwhile, the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union, commonly known as the Manual Workers Union, has firmly rejected any proposal to introduce electronic voting in Botswana.
In a statement, the union rejected the proposal “without qualification”, demanding its withdrawal from the electoral reform package under consideration through the All-Party Conference process. It said it had noted reports that the UDC government intended to bring the EVM proposal back to Parliament, warning that such a move would amount to an imposition rather than genuine electoral reform.
The union cited Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Secretary Jefferson Siamisang, saying he had already informed Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that voters did not want EVMs.
“That is the end of the argument,” the union declared. “A reform that the electoral authority itself says the people do not want is not a reform, it is an imposition.”
The union wants the EVM proposal removed from the All-Party Conference reform package and excluded from Parliament, Cabinet and the statute book.
It also wants the IEC to restrict technology to voter registration and management of the voters’ roll, while retaining paper-based voting and counting at polling stations.
For the UDC, the EVM debate presents a political test of consistency between the positions it championed while in opposition and the decisions it is prepared to support as the governing coalition.
The position adopted following the party’s anticipated deliberations could determine whether the coalition continues resisting electronic voting or opens the door to a system it previously opposed.