DIS denies national polls meddling
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday November 6, 2023 06:00
Mmegi: The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has lately been worriedly repeating allegations that the DIS and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have been covertly helping the BDP to retain power with the 2019 General Election as a case in point. The UDC challenged the results of the last polls citing ‘rigging’ as the devil that ‘robbed’ them of victory. The opposition coalition parties under the UDC have even resorted to engaging their controversial Madibela Tlhopho to guard the ballot papers. Could you please enlighten us on the role you allegedly played as an institution in assisting the BDP to retain power?
Robert: The DIS is aware that some political actors have begun pursuing very aggressive strategies to deliberately misinform the public about the functions of the directorate during the 2024 election cycle. This notwithstanding, it is common knowledge that the directorate is bound by the Intelligence and Security Service Act to remain apolitical. The directorate will therefore, continue to abide by the requirements of its established mandate.
Mmegi: The opposition UDC, has also raised worries relating to the unexplained arrests of its operatives, which they claim mostly target the period around the general polls, which in most cases they say are intended to instil fear in the minds of the opposition. What's your comment on this?
Robert: The directorate will always take action against any actor who it has reasonable basis to believe is contravening the Intelligence and Security Service Act. An impression must never be created that political actors who conduct themselves outside the Act are immune from being investigated or to have the necessary action taken against them. Spreading such belief only succeeds in planting the misinformation that there should be no consequences for contravening laws integral to the preservation of national security.
Mmegi: Perhaps, in an endeavour to clarify issues, what would you say is the ideal role played by the DIS in the elections process?
Robert: Electoral processes fall under the purview of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as directed by the Electoral Act and the Directorate’s functions are stipulated in Section 5 of the Intelligence and Security Service Act (2007) and other related sections.
Mmegi: You (the DIS) have been openly accused of meddling with the ballot boxes, which in the end helps the BDP win the elections. What's your reaction to this accusation?
Robert: This is wholly false. The Directorate’s role is limited to intelligence gathering, intelligence dissemination and advising government departments on how such intelligence may help efforts of law enforcement and the preservation of national security.
Mmegi: Could you please explain the role played by the DIS as an institution during the elections?
Robert: The Directorate’s role is always limited to intelligence gathering, intelligence dissemination and advising government departments on how such intelligence may help efforts of law enforcement and the preservation of national security.
Mmegi: How far do the DIS operatives go in terms of maintaining closeness with the ballot boxes during the elections? Thank you.
Robert: The Directorate is not able to provide specific information on its operations to the media for obvious reasons. However, other than if there is any identified threat adverse to national security during elections, there is never any need for the DIS to deploy operatives in the manner suggested above.