BNF unhappy with SADC observer mission
The Botswana National Front (BNF) is not happy with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) mission, which is in the country to monitor Saturday’s general elections. Addressing a political rally at White City on Sunday, the BNF parliamentary candidate for Gaborone West, Paul Rantao questioned why the observer mission is coming on the eve of the elections.

Botswana celebrates UN Day
The United Nations (UN) celebrated its 59th anniversary on Monday. At the UN Place in Gaborone, UNDP Resident Representative to Botswana, Bjoern Foerde read a message from the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The message said that the UN was founded almost six decades ago as an instrument of peace, human rights and development. The message stated that although the world is a better place because of the UN, too many people are today victims of violence, oppression, poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease.

Local contractors complain over tenders
Citizen contractors in Serowe/Palapye area have criticised the award of council tenders saying that it is costing them dearly. The contractors have expressed concern over the delays in awarding tenders, variations in payment for completed works and lack of tender information.

IEC increases polling stations in F/town
FRANCISTOWN: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) principal elections officer based here, Clement Siviya, has said polling stations have been increased to ease congestion. The city has 19 polling districts and 97 polling stations. About 26,174 people have registered to vote in the three constituencies in the city. Francistown East has 7,704 registered voters, Francistown West has 9,423 while Francistown South has 9,047.

GTC closed indefinitely
The Gaborone Technical College has been closed indefinitely after students went on the rampage to protest harassment by security guards. The students went on strike demanding that the college should terminate the services of the security company employing the guards. Riot police were called in yesterday to quell the strike, which started on Monday.

Local network launches election observer mission
“Using the information gathered by the field observers, BESNet will make an assessment of the credibility and legitimacy of the elections,” Madibela said. The assessment will be based on the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation (PEMMO) adopted in November 2003 and launched in Botswana on August 24, 2004.

IEC confident ahead of elections
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has re-emphasised its preparedness for the general elections scheduled for October 30. The IEC Secretary Gabriel Seeletso told accredited Election Observers at a meeting held at Boipuso Hall on Monday that they are inspired by all they have done to confidently say they are ready to deliver.