And The Crowd Goes…

In the court of politics, the people are the jury.

This statement will prove prudent as the cascading words in this article unfold. 

Sitting in the stands on that historic day was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Watching the seas of blue juxtapose the rivers of red that had flown for 58 years was a wonder. The birds sang a new song. The sun sat in the intimate embrace of rain clouds, waiting to announce the pleasure of the heavens. The day of the Inauguration of the 6th President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, was the epitome of democratic historicity.

The people of Botswana left the polling booths with great conviction. The courts of social media, the voting lines, and the streets were filled with a common statement, “TLHOPHANG SENTLE.” For the sake of friends who may not know Setswana “VOTE WISELY”. These words spread like a wildfire, from the mouths of the elderly to the mouths of despondent young people. The consensus was that no one was to waste their vote. The silent revolution was underway.

As if there was agreed-upon consensus, Batswana brought the Umbrella for Democratic Change to 36 seats in Parliament (giving them the mantle of Executive Power and Legislative majority for the next 5 years). Furthermore, in a horrendous turn of events, the Botswana Democratic Party (having been in power for since 1965/66) was brought down to only 4 seats in Parliament out of 61 elected seats (about 6.5% before an addition of 6 Specially Elected Members of Parliament).

The jubilation that filled the streets of Botswana and the seats in the National Stadium highlighted a few sentiments. “A renewed hope is born”, “A new Botswana is in sight”, “The old is gone away”.

As the new President, President Duma Gideon Boko, was carried around the stadium for the lap of victory, a wave of excitement roared through the stands of the stadium. HISTORY HAD BEEN MADE.

Through the ballot, Batswana had managed to dislodge a long established dynasty. With great peace and calm, one party handed over government to another. It had never been seen, or done, in this our land.

In the court of politics, the people are the jury.

In the crowd, in a secluded section, were high profile dignitaries including representatives of Heads of States and Governments,  former Presidents Mogae, Khama, and immediate Former President Masisi.

While I am intrigued by the interaction between the two most recent Former Presidents (considering their tumultuous relationship) I believe something more important pervaded: The public sentiment.

As protocol dictates, dignitaries were introduced. It seemed that the Batswana in attendance were filled with great jubilation when the likes of His Excellency the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, was introduced. Mr Julius Malema and Mr Mmusi Maimane also received thunderous applause. 

It must be acknowledged that Mr Ndaba Gaolathe, the Vice President, received applause that could only be compared to hopeful sentimentality. 

There are three particular characters who are of interest to me: Former President Khama, Former President Masisi, and President Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. I will address them in reverse.

Many have been uncomfortable with the relationship between President Masisi (at the time) and President Mnangagwa. This “brotherhood” caused quite a stir for many. This discontent intensified with the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana went on a benchmarking mission to Zimbabwe (which many alleged was a threat to fair elections. Allegations of “rigging” plans spread exponentially, causing many’s disdain towards President Mnangagwa to intensify. When his name was called, the crowd Booed with conviction.

When President Masisi was introduced, the crowd booed with great passion. It seemed that the people had rejected the Former President through the ballot and in person. It seems that people had developed a great dislike for the person of the Former President, accounting for decreased Diamond production and revenue, a struggling economy, high unemployment, and more. 

With Former President Khama, the crowd was filled with great jubilation. While this is contentious, many stood with Former President Khama during his tiff with then President Masisi. Many felt that the former President was unfairly treated. The two had mounted strong campaigns against each other. While many felt that the Khama presidency was troubled, many sustained support for him.

While the goal of this article is not to assess the validity of the crowd’s cheers or boos, it is to address a debate. Is it right for the crowd to have booed?

While Batswana hold “respect” to high regard, Motswana says “Mafoko a Kgotla a mantle otlhe.” While respect of the elders is necessary, Motswana also says “Susu ilela suswana gore suswana le ene a tle a go ilele.”

This is the debate as it is. In finding and negotiating a balance between the two, possibly a topic for another article, one thing rings true:

In the court of politics, the people are the jury.