Attacks on the media during primary elections does not bode well for upcoming elections later in the year.
This statement was originally published on misa.org on 30 July 2024.
At least four journalists were attacked on 21 July 2024, and media workers’ equipment was destroyed during the internal elections of the governing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
The elections, held in Ramotswa ahead of the country’s elections later this year, were characterised by tensions as election officers and party supporters tried to bar journalists from covering the event.
The election officers and party supporters said this was an internal matter, and the media was not invited. In the melee, a mobile phone that Letlhogile Mpuang of The Botswana Gazette was using to cover the proceedings was damaged.
A female journalist was manhandled as the BDP members tried to grab her phone. Two other journalists were able to repel the political party supporters as they tried to stop them from recording proceedings at the meeting.
The BDP has condemned the attacks on the journalists and said it will investigate the matter.
In a statement, the party said its “electoral process is an open and transparent exercise,” which the media is allowed to cover.
The weekly newspaper, Mmegi, reported that BDP has since replaced Mpuang’s phone.
MISA’s position
Political parties should respect the role of journalists in promoting the exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights by an informed citizenry.
MISA condemns all forms of media freedom violations, including assault, threats and intimidation against journalists conducting their constitutional rights to inform and educate the nation as events unfold.
MISA further calls for the political parties’ leadership to sensitise their structures and supporters on the role of the media in national processes so that the media can continue to perform its duties without exposure to harm.
Journalists have a constitutional mandate to seek, receive, and impart information. It is the duty of every person to respect, protect, and promote these rights.
MISA commends the BDP for apologising for this incident and replacing Mpuang’s phone.
