The Khama virtual magic: The BPF's last resort
Source: Mmegi Online
Author: Spira Tlhankane
SEROWE: They don't have that charming politician who can move crowds, change the narrative and sway voters no wonder the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is relying on patron and former president Ian Khama's magic, at least the virtual one for now.
"Ga re ise re mmone yo o tshwanang nae (We haven't seen anyone like him)," the BPF members referred to Khama as they sang here on Saturday following a star rally. The BPF has left the opposition coalition seeking a PACT model and some of its candidates have opted to contest under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) banner, so the party needs the Khama magic more than ever as they head towards their second General Election in October.
Speaking of magic, the BPF this time around won't get the same kind of magic like the one they had in the 2019 General Election when the then few months old party managed to win three Parliamentary seats. This is so because their main man Khama has been in a self-imposed exile since 2021 and is not able to return because he says that he fears for his life. The former statesman is currently facing criminal charges and he will be arrested the moment he steps back into the country. In almost every BPF political event or rally Khama is featured because he is an influential figure in the party and is also respected as Bangwato tribe chief. Khama once blasted former BPF president Biggie Butale for failing to feature him virtually during political rallies. By featuring Khama virtually during rallies, the BPF are convinced that a wave of Khama's secret wand will soothe Batswana and restore the country to the Khama rule. As they bring the phone speaker closer to the microphone during rallies the BPF believes that even without being physically present, Khama with his matchless powers of influence can sway elections the way he did back in 2019 when he rallied voters to slay the BDP. Back then he was able to knock out many BDP giants and promoted some opposition candidates especially in the central.
