15 Sep 2019

Mr John Siele’s has withdrawn an appeal of the ruling in the case in which he challenged Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) leader Advocate Duma Boko’s place of registration for the coming general election.

After losing the case Mr Siele’s filed an appeal with the High Court, which he withdrew at the eleventh hour.

During the brief appearance before Justice Michael Mothobi of the Gaborone High Court on Friday, Mr Siele’s lawyer, Advocate Sidney Pilane said his client would not be pursuing the matter any further.

Representing the UDC leader, Mr Dick Bayford submitted that, though they had prepared to argue the merits of the case, they were not opposed to the application to have the matter withdrawn.

The application for review followed the July decision in which the Village Magistrate Court ruled against Mr Siele’s contention that Advocate Boko had not registered at his principal residence as per the Electoral Act.

Mr Siele wanted the UDC leader, who will be contesting for Gaborone Bonnington North parliamentary seat, to be struck off the voters roll because he had registered in an area which was not his principal residence therefore contravening the Electoral Act.  ENDS