Masisi assures diplomatic community of smooth handover
02 Nov 2024
Former President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has assured the diplomatic community that he will ensure a smooth handover of power, including the civil service and disciplined forces to the newly elected administration.
When addressing the envoys on Friday evening in Gaborone, Dr Masisi said before his retreat into the life of an ordinary citizen, he would also prevail upon every institution to support the new leadership as they should.
"I have also impressed upon the senior public servants their obligation, legal and otherwise, to remain apolitical and give every support to the new government," he said.
Dr Masisi also said that quite refreshing was the decision to adjust the National Development Plan period to synchronise with the electoral period, which he said would make it convenient for the incoming party to make adjustments to suit its manifesto.
Dr Masisi also assured the diplomats that despite the change in reigns, all was well in the country.
"Nothing will tinker and there will be no issues. It is the value systems that we practice and stand by," he said.
He also said there had been an overwhelming acceptance of the result by his party.
Dr Masisi also said he cherished his tenure and was happy to retreat to being an ordinary farmer.
He also assured the diplomats that he will never disturb the incoming administration, safe for only perhaps offering useful criticism.
He also assured them that Botswana was committed to multi party democracy, transparency and fairness.
He took the moment to dismiss what he said were rumours of cheating in the elections, saying he had no doubt that it was a clean sweep by the UDC.
Dr Masisi said it was important to clear any doubts from the diplomats to avoid any conspiracy theories that may destabilise the country.
He also said it was his hope that they would continue to do service to Botswana under the new administration.
On behalf of the diplomats, Angola's Ambassador to Botswana, who is also the chairperson of SADC Committee of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Dr Beatriz de Morais said that it was a pleasure to work with Dr Masisi and assured him that they would continue to work to develop bilateral relations with Botswana.
She also took the moment, on behalf of the diplomatic community, to wish Dr Masisi a happy life as an ordinary citizen. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Olekantse Sennamose
Location : Gaborone
Event : Meeting
Date : 02 Nov 2024
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