Opposition challenges poll results

Botswana’s main opposition party is challenging the results of 16 parliamentary constituencies won by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in last month’s election. The BDP was re-elected with 38 seats, but it faced a strong opposition challenge after former President Ian Khama fell out with President Mokgweetsi Masisi, his handpicked successor, and backed the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Party. A report on the Defence Web site notes that if the High Court rules in the UDC’s favour and strips the BDP of 16 seats, the ruling party would be left with 22 seats and fall short of a majority in the 57-seat Parliament. 'We filed petitions in 16 parliamentary seats and five council positions over vote fraud. The challenge is on the grounds of suspicion of double voting by our rivals,' party spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa told Reuters.

Full report on the Defence Web site