Botswana: Motswaledi appeal to be heard on Tuesday

Meanwhile, Motswaledi had addressed a press conference at Falcon Crest the object of which was to thank his supporters and to explain why he wanted his case to be heard by a panel of non-local judges. Explaining his position, Motswaledi said he wants foreign judges to hear his appeal against a High Court ruling dismissing his application against the suspension slapped on him by President Ian Khama.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Motswaledi said he wanted judges from outside Botswana so that he would not have doubt in the outcome of the appeal. He said he does not want local judges because he would not want any animosity when he meets them after passing judgement. He said he will always meet local judges in his daily life “be it at funerals or wherever” and he wants to ensure there is no animosity. He said he would welcome any verdict -favourable or not, from foreign judges.

Motswaledi paid tribute to his supporters in Gaborone Central constituency for working with him in the past two years in his campaign for parliamentary elections. He thanked BDP members including party chairman Daniel Kwelagobe for offering him support since his suspension.

“This sense of nationhood and support for a brother and for friends will leave an indelible mark on this effort…what humbled me is the measure of support from those known to be my political foes within the party. This is a great sign for the unity that is so desired by the party. I had the most wonderful team of people I have met in my career as a politician. Dedicated, strong willed and daring. People who took this campaign by the scruff of its neck; people who invested their all in this campaign, their time, their intellect and their energies,” he said.

He denied that Kwelagobe has ditched him after making peace with Khama. He explained that people should not forget that though the chairman is his friend and supporter, he has an obligation to the BDP as an elected chairman to work for the party.”I have no doubt that he is still with me,” he said.

Motswaledi’s former elections campaign chief in the Gaborone Central constituency Ndaba Gaolatlhe said that theirs is a direct and fair challenge on decisions they believe contravene the spirit of democracy.

“It is not disrespect of our leadership; it is the honouring of the teachings of our elders. It is not an empty defiance; it is a stand on the firm foundations that form the promise of an uplifting future for generations to come,” he said.

Mmegi Online