Butale election petition dismissed on technicality
Friday, December 13, 2019

BPF President Butale PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG
Butale, who is the president of Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) whose patron is former President Ian Khama, came third behind Simon Moabi and Tshepo Makhani of the UDC respectively in the October national polls.
At least 1,622 people voted for Butale, while 6,236 and 4,738 voters chose Moabi and Makhani in that order.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...