01 Dec 2016

Secretary General of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Mr Botsalo Ntuane has refuted media allegations that President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has advised Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi not to re-contest for BDP chairmanship position.

In a press statement Mr Ntuane noted that the Weekend Post’s lead story of the 19th November was bereft of truth and nowhere close to the truth. “In fact the report in question amounts to mere speculation that may cause confusion if not addressed,” he noted.

Mr Ntuane says president Khama is a democrat who has contested party elections in the past and remain a leader who extensively consults and interacts with democrats as most recently demonstrated by close to 60 party activations he undertook across the country.

“By now it should be clear to any citizen of Botswana that President Khama is a staunch believer in democracy and constitutionalism and submit himself to the will of the people. These are the same principles which inform his leadership of both the party and the country,” he says.

He says Article 13.2 of the BDP Constitution is clear that a member of the party shall have the right to be elected or appointed under the party banner to any position of leadership, or any office within the party.

He explains that it is therefore obvious that President Khama has been misrepresented by claims that he may take away party chairmanship’s right to stand again.  “Whether His Honour the VP contests or opts not to will therefore be a matter of choice depending on the priorities before him.

We urge members of the public to treat this report as mere speculation without any basis in fact. As for democrats we remind them once again to continue familiarising themselves with the constitution so that they are not misled by uninformed reports which may divide our party,” reads the statement in part.

Mr Ntuane says to further report that because President Khama is willing to assist the party in other capacities beyond his term as State President could be ‘eyebrow rising’ is also baffling.

He says even when he is not President of the party and the republic Khama will remain a member of the party with full right and obligations which include participating in party activities and defending it as any member is expected to.

“If anything we take pride in having a leader who remains willing to serve and assist those that come after him. Nothing about President Khama continuing with party activism after April 2018 should be considered odd ore unacceptable,” he says.

The same article, Mr Ntuane highlights, make reference to former Minister of Education Mr Jacob Nkate having contested and lost the 2013 primaries in Ngami. He says that is incorrect and prove why the rest of the article should be treated with caution. “Jacob Nkate did not contest the 2013 primaries as he was then away on national service in Japan.

The public and member of the party are urged to keep a vigilant eye on such reporting and to reject such untruths,” he warns.

The BDP secretary general says his party’s doors are opened to the media and will gladly clear matters that require clarifications any day.

He says President Khama is a democrat and members are entitled to their right. He advises the writer to inform himself more next time. ENDS