DIS distances itself from elections report
Mpho Mokwape | Tuesday October 15, 2024 10:36
The report dated August 19, 2024 commissioned by the DIS allegedly through a request from Thulaganyo Boditswe representing the spy unit after the boss, Peter Magosi reportedly showed keen interest in uderstanding the circumstances surrounding the loss of Serame. The report allegedly has details of what could have transpired resulting in Serame’s loss.
An investigation allegedly conducted by a team comprising DIS’ Oteng Motiamma and Marvel Nthate to determine the reasons behind this outcome, details among other things, the Finance Minister’s alleged lack of ground presence and engagement as one of the leading cause of the loss.
“The investigation team conducted interviews with key stakeholders within the constituency. Constituency members expressed dissatisfaction with Serame's campaign, citing a lack of presence and engagement on the ground,” reads the report.
The observation was allegedly made by the former southern region chairperson Moutlwetsi Moeti after the investigation team reportedly interviewed him.
DIS spokesperson, Edward Robert explained that the DIS does not involve itself with partisan politics and that any suggestion to the contrary was most likely untrue.
'And such is the case in this matter. We too have seen such circulating in the media, purporting to come from Directorate. To the best of my knowledge the Directorate or Director General has never sanctioned such a probe. Whoever has produced such was being mischievous and we call upon the public to resist the call to associate such a report with the Directorate,' he said.
BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse also explained that if the report was commissioned by DIS then the party was not aware of it.
'So we are unable to answer any of your questions. It is not a BDP report in that regard,' he said.
According to the report, Moeti had allegedly reached out to the aspiring parliamentary candidate for Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency, Serame identifying issues with campaign team members.
“He allegedly observed a decline in Eric Molale's involvement towards the end of the campaign. Additionally, he mentioned that Dikoloti had allegedly started his campaign before the official campaign period, which would be a violation of the BDP regulations concerning campaign conduct,” said the report.
More into what led to Serame’s loss is that the report alleged that incumbent councilors did not support her, which hindered her ability to canvass effectively and also that the branch chairperson appeared to have been aligned with Dikoloti, further complicating Serame's campaign.
The investigation also alleged that a council candidate on Serame's team who had lost the elections when interviewed alleged that voters roll manipulation led to voter names being misplaced between Digawana and Phitshane, that 60% of elders did not manage to vote since there was a mix up of their names appearing in wards that they did not register at.
“The council candidate also mentioned financial inducements offered to sway support away from Serame, raising concerns about compliance with the campaign conduct rules,” said the report.
Further into what was uncovered were allegations that Dikoloti engaged in voter trafficking, using social clubs such as PV Monko for this purpose and that the branch committee and other structures were reportedly compromised through financial influence by Dikoloti.
The report said the council candidate was offered a bribe of P5000.00 to abandon Serame's team, which he refused, resulting in being followed by a suspicious vehicle for three weeks.
Mmantsa Sekgororoane, the current deputy branch chairperson, the report also alleged that the ballot boxes were discovered at her house post-election.
“These boxes were initially found while she was busy cleaning the hall after elections. Upon realising the boxes contained ballot papers, she notified the returning officers, who advised her to destroy the boxes by burning them,” alleged the report.
However, reportedly she opted to secure the boxes at her house for safekeeping and the mishandling and subsequent attempt to dispose of the boxes raised serious questions about adherence to ballot handling and security, which outlines the procedures for securing and transporting ballot materials.
The investigation team allegedly reported that upon finishing the interview, they identified a person to do surveillance of the premises on a 24-hour basis of which surveillance later on the August 18, 2024 reported that the boxes were moved with a white Nissan van bearing plate number B450AJI.
“We immediately followed the car, managed to reach it by the landfill immediately after Mogobane on the way to Gaborone. We followed it until it reached Tsholetsa House,” revealed the investigators.
According to the report, a council candidate on Dikoloti's team confirmed that all ballot boxes were returned to Tsholetsa House immediately after elections, contradicting the discovery at Sekgororoane's house.
In the end, the investigators noted their findings and analysis among others internal party conflicts, voter’s roll manipulation and campaign strategy, ballot box mismanagement and lack of support.
The investigators allegedly advised that the BDP should address internal conflicts and ensure that campaign teams are cohesive and well-supported to prevent future election losses due to internal strife.
On monitoring and oversight, the investigators allegedly indicated that enhanced monitoring of the voters roll and campaign activities should be implemented to prevent voter manipulation and ensure a fair election process.
Concluding the report, the investigators on a side note pointed out that on February 7, 2024, a meeting was held where it was revealed that opposition leaders were allegedly colluding with some BDP members to secure funding from unions to finance opposition members.
“This investigation should be continued to identify and address any party members undermining the President's efforts,” ended the report.
Meanwhile on the other hand DIS and BDP has denied any knowledge of the alleged report.