Court of Appeal ends UDC petition case with dismissal

The Court of Appeal (CoA) this week dismissed with costs the Umbrella for Democratic Change's (UDC) 14 election petitions.  The petitions Botswana leading opposition party, came from parliamentary candidates including that of UDC leader, Duma Boko, whose case was dismissed with costs citing lack of jurisdiction. 

The CoA ruling has cemented President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s rule until 2024 when the next general elections will be held. Botswana held its general election on October 23, 2019 with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) winning by a majority of 38 seats against UDC’s 15.

The UDC petitioned the court and contested the outcome of the elections citing “irregularities in some of the constituencies”.  The BDP has ruled Botswana since independence from Britain in 1966.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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