Court of Appeal ends UDC petition case with dismissal
Sunday, May 31, 2020
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.
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...