Presidential candidates to make their plans known
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 370 Views |

BDP President Masisi. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Even though there is no direct election of president in the country, this marks yet another pivotal moment as Batswana prepare to choose their leader. “The public is informed that in terms of the Presidential elections (supplementary provisions) Act Cap.02.01 the nominations of candidates for the office of President shall take place on the first Saturday following the expiry of 20 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly. The President dissolved the National Assembly on September 5, 2024, between the hours of 10 o’clock in the morning and 1 0’clock in the afternoon, or between 2 o’clock and 5o’clock in the afternoon,” read a recent press release from Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on presidential nominations. The press release also advices all those who are interested to comply with the legal requirements for the nominations of presidential candidates as set out in the presidential elections (supplementary provisions) Act, Cap.02:01.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...