In today’s world, we use apps for almost everything—ordering food, paying bills, sending money, and even dating. On dating platforms, swiping left means rejecting a profile, while swiping right means you’re interested in exploring more. Now imagine applying this principle to elections.
What if we judged political leaders the same way we judge dating profiles, based on their values and how well they align with our needs? With the election just around the corner, political candidates are doing all they can to appeal to the electorate. Manifestos have been released, and the race is heating up.
Voters have the power to “swipe right” for the candidates who resonate with their needs or “swipe left” on those who do not. In the past, voting has often been based on party loyalty rather than the character and policies of the candidates themselves. But this year, we have a chance to make a change.
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We must vote not based on political affiliation but on a candidate’s respect for human dignity and their ability to shape laws that reflect those values. According to a July 2024 Afrobarometer report, satisfaction with democracy in Botswana dropped dramatically from 70% in 2012 to 30% in 2022. Only 15% of Batswana believe that elected officials truly listen to citizens, revealing a growing disconnect between the people and the government.
The report also showed that 76% of citizens prioritize accountability over government efficiency, highlighting a demand for more transparency and responsiveness. One such move was the 2022 Penal Code Amendment Bill, which seemed aimed at reversing a court ruling that decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships. Additionally, the 2024 Constitution Amendment Bill, proposed by Minister Kabo Morwaeng, faced backlash for failing to involve the public and reflect the nation’s aspirations.
These actions led to peaceful protests, which were met with police violence on September 4, 2024. Further troubling is the amendment proposed in July 2024 to the President’s Pension and Retirement Benefits Act. This bill would grant lavish benefits to former and sitting presidents and their families, prompting activists to criticize it as self-serving, especially given the country’s severe economic crisis.
Is this the kind of leadership we should continue to support? When leaders repeatedly fail to prioritize the wellbeing of their people, it is time to “swipe left.” This election, we—the people—are more aware of our power than ever before. We understand that our vote can shape the future of our country, and we must not compromise. Pull Quote Suggestion:“Swiping left on leaders who betray us sends a powerful message: we, the people, demand better leadership.”
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