He was dismissing with costs an application by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in which it sought to compel the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to reverse its decision to reject BDP candidate Ignatius Moswaane from standing for the November 23 by-election in Francistown West. "This country is well known and respected worldwide over its democracy and respect for the rule of law," Justice Rannowane said. "Our strength as a country lies in our continued respect for the rule of law, including respect for court orders even if they can reasonably be perceived to be wrong or unfair.
"None in this country, including the IEC, is above the law, and it was duty bound in the instant case to respect the court order. To hold otherwise will be creating a dangerous precedent which may in future lead to anarchy and lawlessness." The BDP, its members Whyte Marobela, and Moswaane, are engaged in a bitter dispute following the outcome of BDP primaries in early October that Marobela claims were marred by irregularities to give Moswaane victory. He lodged a complaint with the Central Committee of the BDP but the party did not give him a hearing.
