24 Sep 2015

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has termed as “malicious” reports that President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama might not step down at the end of his presidential term.

A news release from the party states that the move by Gabz FM Radio station morning show programme seemed to be a calculated one to tarnish the President’s name and that of BDP.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this type of journalism where the other side is not given a chance to present its side,” says the release.

It further states that had Gabz FM conducted a research, they should have known that President Khama has on numerous occasions reiterated the fact that upon the end of his term he would step down for a new occupant to take over.

“The malicious report also ignores the fact that there is no bill or any discussion at the moment in the BDP, of changing the constitution to give President Khama another term,” states the release.

The release further states that President Khama as a strong proponent of democracy and the rule of law will not accept such manipulation.

Meanwhile, the BDP has officially welcomed former Botswana Congress Party activist and youth league leader, Mr Lotty Manyepedza into its fold. Mr Manyepedza together with former youth league deputy secretary, Ms Virginia Masole were  introduced at a press briefing held in Gaborone, Wednesday by BDP communications and international relations chairperson, Mr Thapelo Pabalinga.

Mr Pabalinga said his party was on a recruitment drive and that more people were starting to realise that BDP was still the only serious party that could move Botswana forward. The party will hold a special congress in Gaborone on October 9-10, to complete the unfinished Mmadinare congress business, he said. Ends