The IEC has dismissed allegations that DIS Director General Peter Magosi played any role in securing the UDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections, following claims attributed to President Duma Boko by BCP leader Dumelang Saleshando
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has expressed concern after Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader Dumelang Saleshando revealed that President Duma Boko told him DIS Director General Peter Magosi played a role in helping the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) secure victory in the 2024 general elections.
IEC RESPONDS
IEC Secretary Jefferson Siamisang told The Botswana Gazette that, while the commission was not mentioned during Saleshando’s press conference, comments that cast doubt on any organization are concerning. “Generally speaking, it is worrisome if there is negativity about the organization anyone leads. This can happen to anybody who is the custodian of any organization or process such ours being elections management,” he said.
Siamisang also defended the integrity of the 2024 elections ruling out any external involvement, further noting that international election observers also deemed the polls free, fair, transparent, and credible, with no petitions filed in any constituency.
SALESHANDO’S REVELATION SPARKS DEBATE
During a press briefing this week, Saleshando disclosed that, in a courtesy call to President Boko, the latter told him that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) could not have won the elections had it not been for the involvement of DIS Director General Rtd Brigadier Peter Magosi.
The disclosure has raised eyebrows, touching on the sensitive role of intelligence agencies in Botswana’s electoral process and reigniting the dying debate of the DIS director’s strange relationship with the UDC.
PRESIDENCY YET TO COMMENT
Attempts to reach the President’s Private Secretary, Emang Mutapati, for confirmation or denial of Saleshando’s claims went unanswered.
OPPOSITION SEEKS CLARITY
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General Kentse Rammidi called for clarification, noting that only Saleshando and President Boko can confirm the claims. “It is difficult to comment because we do not know whether it is true that Boko told Saleshando this. They are the only ones who can confirm,” he said.