Court of Appeal ends UDC petition case with dismissal

Duma Boko leaving court with UDC members PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES
Duma Boko leaving court with UDC members PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES

The Court of Appeal (CoA) this week dismissed with costs the Umbrella for Democratic Change's (UDC) 14 election petitions.  The petitions Botswana leading opposition party, came from parliamentary candidates including that of UDC leader, Duma Boko, whose case was dismissed with costs citing lack of jurisdiction. 

The CoA ruling has cemented President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s rule until 2024 when the next general elections will be held. Botswana held its general election on October 23, 2019 with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) winning by a majority of 38 seats against UDC’s 15.

The UDC petitioned the court and contested the outcome of the elections citing “irregularities in some of the constituencies”.  The BDP has ruled Botswana since independence from Britain in 1966.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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