08 Mar 2017

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has denied that the President Lt General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has ever persuaded the Vice President Mr Mokgeetsi Masisi not to contest for any position within the party.
In a statement responding to Sunday Standard story of March 5, 2017, headlined “Masisi says ‘sis’ to Khama” the party says the BDP constitution permits any member of the party in good standing to contest for any vacant position within the party.
The full text of the statement reads:
“Since its founding in 1962, the BDP as a people centered political organization has remained true to a value system and certain principles responsible for the voter confidence it continues to enjoy. For this reason, Batswana have looked forward to BDP rule after repeatedly giving us the mandate to rule at every election. The BDP has an open door policy aimed at cultivating and nurturing a good working 5relationship with the media and uploads the constitutional right of freedom of speech for all. As the fourth estate, the BDP recognizes the media as an important partner, one that can help in nation building.
It is therefore disappointing to read the latest article in the Sunday Standard newspaper of March 5, 2017 headlined Masisi says 'Sis' to Khama; an article fraught with gross inaccuracies.
One wonders how this badly written piece even made it past editorial stage, never mind the front page of this publication.
As a party we view this mischievous attempt at tarnishing the good name of the party and its leadership as highly regrettable, distasteful and unprofessional.
It is regrettable to observe that Sunday Standard may be pushing an agenda of trying to sow seeds of division and cause tension between His Excellency the President and His Honour the Vice President.
For the record the President and his Vice have a good working relationship both in government and in the party.
Journalism principles dictate that one must verify facts before publishing stories but unfortunately with the Sunday Standard they settled for the opposite. It is most pitiful that the untruths are directed at the state leadership.
The party wishes to categorically state that President Khama has never, as the article suggested persuaded His honour Masisi not to contest for any position within the party.
The BDP constitution permits any member of the party in good standing which his honour Masisi is, to contest for any vacant position within the party.
The article is not only defamatory but also disrespectful and belittling of the highest office in the land.
The public must recall that it is this very same newspaper which in 2014 purported that President Khama and His government were constructing an escape tunnel and bunkers from the State House to Phakalane.
To this day the nation awaits its commencement.
The paper further claimed that BDF planes cargoed election rigging material towards the 2014 elections.
No proof or public apology have been tendered despite our repeated calls for either.
Our doors remain open to the media and we will continue to engage at our monthly press briefings.
We therefore urge Sunday standard to take full advantage with view to reporting accurately on matters pertaining to the party and its leadership lest they keep discrediting themselves.
All Batswana and members of the public are urged to dismiss the untruthful report with the contempt it deserves.” ENDS