Speaking to the media yesterday, Defence, Justice and Security Minister, Dikgakgamatso Ramadeluka Seretse said that the Botswana government is not disappointed at Tsvangirai's decision to pull out at the last minute. However, he said they expected Tsvangirai to take part in the elections. "I had expectation, but if something happens contrary to the expectation, I must first want to understand why it happened. I must investigate and put myself in the shoes of that particular person, before I can make any valued judgment on it. I can't say I am disappointed. I can't say personally I'm not disappointed," he said. The Zimbabwe government has said it will continue with the elections on Friday and there is debate that if Tsvangirai does not stand, President Robert Mugabe will automatically be the winner of the run-off according to the laws of Zimbabwe.
Seretse explained that it is important for Zimbabwe to hold free and fair elections and that everybody must respect the rule of law. He said that Botswana was concerned at reports of escalating violence that has been attributed to supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF attacking MDC supporters. "As a country we don't condone any brutality. We are seriously concerned. After the first elections we were concerned. The law in Zimbabwe says they should go for a run-off and we contributed 50 observers from Botswana, the largest number we have ever sent," he said.
