CONCERNS RAISED OVER LACK OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS IN BOTSWANA.

Article By: Tebogo Mokoto

Experts have warned that the absence of strong legal frameworks governing political party campaign financing poses a significant threat to Botswana's electoral integrity.

Speaking to Gabz FM News, the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity's Communications, Research and Advocacy Manager, Sonia Gaobolae, said the country’s failure to regulate campaign financing undermines transparency and accountability in the democratic process.

Gaobolae further stated that the absence of a law regulating campaign financing is compromising Botswana's electoral integrity, adding that existing irregularities are exacerbated by the lack of safeguards within the national framework.

Her comments come amid recent allegations made by former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who suggested that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) may have received funding from diamond giant De Beers.

In response, the De Beers Group has firmly denied the claims, saying it does not provide financial or other support for political purposes to any politician, political party, organization, or candidate—either directly or indirectly through third parties.