Thabo Mbeki Applauds Peaceful Elections in Botswana While Urging Calm in Mozambique

Thabo Mbeki has praised Botswana’s outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi for accepting election results gracefully, contrasting it with unrest in Mozambique post-elections. Emphasizing the importance of democratic practices, Mbeki urged leaders to allow peaceful transitions and called for dialogue in Mozambique following alleged vote rigging and resultant protests.

In a recent commentary, former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has expressed admiration for the smooth electoral process in Botswana, particularly highlighting the graceful acceptance of election results by outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Mbeki referred to this as a commendable example for the African continent during a media briefing following a retreat facilitated by the African National Congress’s (ANC) international relations subcommittee. He acknowledged Masisi’s acknowledgement of the democratic will expressed through the substantial defeat of his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to the opposition Umbrella for Change Movement, which secured 31 seats in the parliament, while the BDP managed only four. Mbeki emphasized the necessity for African leaders to embrace peaceful transitions of power. Reflecting on the practices within the ANC, he stated, “We must support democratic processes and not create obstacles if the people decide against us. For example, the ANC here did not query the results but responded to the reality.” Moreover, Mbeki touched upon the unrest in Mozambique, which has followed October’s elections marked by allegations of vote rigging. The ruling party, Frelimo, has claimed to have won 70% of the vote, leading to severe protests and violence resulting in the loss of more than ten lives. In light of Mozambique’s complex history characterized by conflict between Frelimo and Renamo, Mbeki called for peaceful discourse, asserting, “Those matters of dispute must be resolved peacefully in Mozambique.” He highlighted the importance of dialogue and restraint in resolving such disputes.

The article discusses two significant political occurrences in southern Africa: the peaceful electoral transition in Botswana and the turmoil in Mozambique post-elections. In Botswana, the outgoing president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, accepted the election results wherein his party suffered a clear defeat. This situation stands in contrast to the unrest in Mozambique, where alleged electoral fraud has led to protests and violence. Thabo Mbeki, as a prominent African leader, weighs in on these matters, advocating for democratic principles across the continent.

In conclusion, Thabo Mbeki’s remarks underscore the critical need for leaders in Africa to champion democratic values and ensure peaceful transitions of power. While Botswana sets a positive example through its orderly elections and acceptance of outcomes, the unrest in Mozambique highlights ongoing challenges that require dialogue and restraint. Mbeki’s statements are a call to uphold democratic integrity and pursue peaceful resolutions in politically fractured environments.

Original Source: iafrica.com