DIS denies national polls meddling

 Robert. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Robert. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

In this Q&A, Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE engages the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) public relations and protocol director, Edward Robert on accusations that the directorate has been unduly assisting the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to ‘ steal’ elections

Mmegi: The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has lately been worriedly repeating allegations that the DIS and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have been covertly helping the BDP to retain power with the 2019 General Election as a case in point. The UDC challenged the results of the last polls citing ‘rigging’ as the devil that ‘robbed’ them of victory. The opposition coalition parties under the UDC have even resorted to engaging their controversial Madibela Tlhopho to guard the ballot papers. Could you please enlighten us on the role you allegedly played as an institution in assisting the BDP to retain power?

Robert: The DIS is aware that some political actors have begun pursuing very aggressive strategies to deliberately misinform the public about the functions of the directorate during the 2024 election cycle. This notwithstanding, it is common knowledge that the directorate is bound by the Intelligence and Security Service Act to remain apolitical. The directorate will therefore, continue to abide by the requirements of its established mandate.

Editor's Comment
Bravo police for prompt action

It is also hurting that whilst we all know that the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is charged functionally with the duties to investigate all forms of crime, some locals have resorted to taking the law into their own hands. It is very wrong to do that. There is also a possibility that one may wrongfully take the life of a person in the process, unless it is a justifiable case of self-defence. Recently, in the city of Francistown, some locals found...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up