BDP denial, must it be swallowed?

Dithapelo Keorapetse, president of the Botswana Congress Party Youth League, candidate for the Selebi-Phikwe West constituency for October 2014 General Elections was reported in the Mmegi newspaper of August 21, 2014 to have made serious allegations of soldiers disenfranchisement in his constituencies . He states:

“The 21 Infantry Battalion is a military unit with about 1000 soldiers and consists of more than four companies commanded by a lieutenant colonel… We have been reliably informed that the advance party of the deployed unit will leave Selebi-Phikwe on August 28, while the main body leaves on September 6 and returns in November (that’s after the elections 24th October 2014). We are further informed that there are no arrangement for troops to return to Selebi-Phikwe to vote.”

One expected, as usual, this researched statement of disenfranchisement of such a large contingent of voters to be explained away by the BDP government who have become a cunning embodiment of elections cheats, but not to be denied.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up