Khama�s masterstroke :: Mmegi Online

The overwhelming endorsement of Mokgweetsi Masisi as Vice President yesterday is an indication that President Ian Khama has a firm grip of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

The endorsement comes 18 days after the general elections and controversial court cases that challenged the use of the secret ballot to elect a Vice President, the Speaker and deputy Speaker. Besides the resounding backing for Masisi, Khama’s other favourites, Gladys Kokorwe and Kagiso Molatlhegi were easily elected as Speaker and deputy Speaker respectively.

A political analyst, Anthony Morima said the endorsement of Khama’s people to these strategic positions showed that he is popular within the BDP. “The strategy to bring somebody who is popular within the BDP worked very well for Khama. Masisi has been in BDP structures and has familiarised himself with how the party operates,” said Morima.

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