News

• Jul 21, 2015: Botswana opposition to contest next elections, SABCNews (2015) In this article, Opposition parties in Botswana say they are in advanced stages to try and strengthen opposition politics. This comes after parties held their conferences over the weekend. The parties are preparing for the 2019 elections.
• Jun 08, 2015: Tshotlego Pulls Out of BDP Race, Botswana Daily News (2015) A lack of adequate campaign resources has forced Mr Dithapelo Tshotlego to pull out of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairmanship race.
• May 05, 2015: Masisi Assembles Election Team, MmegiOnline (2015) After announcing over the weekend that he is in the race for the chairmanship of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi seems to be moving with speed in pursuing his ambition.
• Apr 23, 2015: Botswana: Khama Appeals With Democrats to Reverse Tide, Botswana Daily News (2015) Botswana Democratic Party members in Molepolole North have been urged to rally behind candidates representing the party in all elections, and to help reverse the loss the party suffered in the last general elections.
• Oct 27, 2014: Botswana's ruling Democratic Party wins general elections, BBC News (2014)
• Oct 23, 2014: Does Botswana deserve its reputation as a stable democracy?, by Amy Poteete, The Washington Post (2014) A pre-election report describing the political and economic context of Botswana’s 2014 elections.
• Jan 28, 2014: Botswana 'breaks ranks with SADC, AU', News24 (2014) In this article, Botswana President, Ian Khama says his country will not participate in future SADC election observer. This comes after what he calls 'failure' by African Union and SADC to point out the irregularities in last year’s Zimbabwe harmonised polls.
• Oct 18, 2013: Botswana: BNF ready for primaries, Mmegi (2013) In this article, Botswana National Front (BNF) is preparing for its primary elections. The elective conference is expected to be held next week.
• May 20, 2013: Botswana: Saleshando says BCP can go it alone, Mmegi (2013) In this article, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) President, Dumelang Saleshando tells people at the rally held over the weekend that his party is more than capable of winning elections without joining the opposition umbrella.
• May 13, 2013: Botswana: Malema to address BNFYL congress, Mmegi (2013) In this article, former President of the African National Congress National Youth League, Julius Malema is set to address National Front Youth League (BNFYL) congress which expected to be held later this month.
• Mar 28, 2013: Botswana: Disclose donors, Venson-Moitoi challenges opposition, Mmegi (2013) In this article, Venson-Moitoi, the Minister of Education and Skills Development challenges opposition parties to disclose their sources of funding.
• Mar 26, 2013: Botswana: Inside the BDP 2014 puzzle, Mmegi (2013) In this article the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) is preparing for its primaries.
• Feb 04, 2013: Botswana: Inside the BDP 2014 puzzle, Mmegi (2013) In this article, Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) remains tight-lipped on the list of candidates for the primaries. It is reported that more members have shown interest in contesting the party primaries.
• Jan 17, 2013: Botswana: Tswapong South readies for two by-elections, Mmegi (2013) In this article, Tumasera Seleka and Pilikwe wards prepare to hold by-elections. The two wards were previously won by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
• Nov 26, 2012: Botswana: Balikani joins BDP, Mmegi (2012) In this article, Former leader of the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) Bernard Balikani joins the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). The news were confirmed by BDP secretary general, Mpho Balopi yesterday in a communique, issued yesterday.
• Nov 02, 2012: Botswana: OP rejects IEC's electoral reforms, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that government have rejected most of the electoral reform recommendations submitted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC is reported to have submitted about 20 recommendations to Cabinet late last year after it had stakeholders' workshops.
• Jul 13, 2012: Botswana: Cabinet reshuffle looms, Mmegi (2012) This article reports on the possible cabinet reshuffle in Botswana. This comes after vice president announced that he will he stepping down at the end of this month.
• Jul 12, 2012: Botswana: News Opposition welcomes Merafhe exit, Mmegi (2012) The article reports on the retirement of Vice President, Mompati Merafhe from active politics. It is reported that opposition parties in Botswana have welcomed the decision.
• Jul 12, 2012: Botswana: Saleshando revels in new BCP status, Mmegi (2012) In this article Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president, Dumelang Saleshando reveals where the party comes from and where it is now in terms of progress made.
• May 10, 2012: Botswana: BDP out to woo youth, says Majweng, Mmegi (2012) In this article deputy chairperson of BDP Youth League, Charles Majweng vows to woo youth across the country.
• May 02, 2012: Botswana: I will resume my chieftaincy after politics - Khama, The Monitor (2012) In this article President Ian Khama tells the crowd at the official opening of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) National Youth Congress that he will ascend the Bangwato throne after completing his political term.
• Apr 24, 2012: Botswana: Monametsi to represent BDP in by-election, The Monitor (2012) It is reported that by-elections will be held in Lenganeng ward, Tlokweng. Reports suggest that Monametsi Bogatsu, will represent the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
• Mar 14, 2012: Botswana: BNF thanks Mokobaxane voters, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that after winning the by-election in Mokobaxane, the Botswana National Front (BNF) came out to thank voters for voting for the party. The also thanked other opposition parties for the role they played in helping them to win the election.
• Feb 29, 2012: ZANU PF hails Batswana, BDP for support in liberation war, Mmegi (2012) This article reports on the interview with Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) chairman, Khaya Moyo. In the interview Moyo said, he thanked the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) for the role they played in the liberation of Zimbabwe. He said they cherish such brotherhood and sisterhood.
• Feb 16, 2012: Botswana: Khama condemns BDP regional committee, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that President Ian Khama lashed out at the Francistown regional chairman, Botho Ntirang and his committee for ill-discipline.
• Feb 16, 2012: Botswana: BDP wine and dine opposition, Mmegi (2012) The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is preparing for its 50th anniversary celebrations. It is reported that the opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has accepted the invitation to the celebration. The same invitations are said to have been extended to the ruling parties in the SADC region.
• Feb 10, 2012: Botswana: Coalition rescues Ntuane, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that Botswana National Front (BNF) and the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) have agreed in principle on the leadership of the coalition.
• Jan 26, 2012: Botswana: Opposition agrees to re-launch talks, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that three opposition parties in Botswana have agreed to re-enter negotiations. The other one is said to have agreed in principle pending consultation with party members. It is reported that this came after interventions by two church leaders, Reverend Prince Dibeela and Reverend Cosmos Moenga.
• Jan 17, 2012: Botswana: BMD leadership seeks guidance from members, Mmegi (2012) Just before Christmas, opposition parties in Botswana failed to reach agreements on the formation of co-operations. It is now reported that Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has called a special conference to report back to its members and seek direction. The conference is expected to take place in in Ramotswa, Botswana on the first week of February.
• Jan 04, 2012: Botswana: Umbrella collapses, Mmegi (2012) It is reported that talks of opposition umbrella collapsed yesterday. This comes after leaders of the four opposition parties failed to reach an agreement.
• Dec 04, 2011: Botswana: EISA calls for women politicians, Mmegi (2011) At a workshop for political parties in Botswana which was held in Maun, EISA expressed its concerns on woman empowerment in politics. EISA senior programmes officer,Victor Shale said according to the SADC gender protocol 2010 barometer coordinated by Gender Links, Botswana and Mauritius failed dismally on the improvement of woman participation as candidates in the elections.
• Oct 18, 2011: Botswana: BDP infighting delays top appointment, Mmegi (2011) It is reported that infighting between members of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has resulted in delay in filling the vacant position of executive secretary.
• Aug 11, 2011: Botswana: Hypocrisy out, BNFYL tells BDP, Mmegi (2011) The Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL) says because Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) was happy to receive undeserved praise for upholding democratic principles from the international community, they should also accept criticism. This comes after the BDP saying the international community should not interfere in Botswana's internal affairs. The BNFYL has gone to label this as the "ruling party's hypocrisy".
• Aug 05, 2011: Botswana: BDP considers framework for 2014 elections, Mmegi (2011) It is reported that the rulling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) central committee meeting on Monday resolved to create a framework for the 2014 general elections. The party also informed that it is was not threatened by the development of a combined opposition. This comes after four parties announced the formation of a united front for the next elections.
• Aug 01, 2011: Botswana's ruling party is in long-term decline - US report, Mmegi (2011) A report by US-Africa Command (AFRICOM) says that the rulling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) could be toppled in 2014 or 2019 at the latest. It is reported that no drastic changes are expected.
• Aug 01, 2011: Botswana: Now Malema targets Botswana president, Times Live (2011) The ANC Youth League president, Julius Malema has after the national executive committee meeting yesterday called government change in Botswana. He said the league will establish a Botswana command team, which will work towards uniting all oppositional forces in Botswana.
• Jul 27, 2011: Botswana: E-card for BNF members, The Monitor (2011) It is reported that Botswana National Front (BNF) has introduced machine-readable cards for its members. The party has since informed its members to re-apply because the new development has rendered existing membership cards obsolete and note that this will not come cheap.
• Jul 27, 2011: Botswana: 'BNFL backs opposition cooperation', The Monitor (2011) It is reported that Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL) gives thumbs-up to the opposition cooperation project. The BNFYL is reported to have been few steps ahead of the mother body in since last year calling for cooperation talks with other parties.
• Jul 21, 2011: Botswana: BOFEPUSU assures united opposition of votes, Mmegi (2011) An umbrella organisation comprising five public sector unions in Botswana, BOFEPUSU has promised the united opposition of its vote in the 2014 general elections.
• Jul 15, 2011: Botswana: Floor-crossing bill undemocratic - DK, Mmegi (2011) Chairman of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Daniel Kwelagobe raised his concerned on the floor crossing bill in the country. This was during the debate in parliament yesterday.
• Jul 11, 2011: Botswana: BDP elects tomorrow, Mmegi (2011) The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will hold a three day elective congress starting today. Representatives from the ruling and opposition parties in Namibia and Zimbabwe are also expected to be present.
• Jul 07, 2011: Botswana: Opposition forms umbrella against BDP, Mmegi (2011) The article reports on the negotiations between three opposition parties in Botswana. These parties have been negotiating for some months now to form a joint front against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
• Jun 24, 2011: Botswana: Political parties to conference, Mmegi (2011) Parties in Botswana are preparing for the weekend. It is reported that parties will hold their conferences over the weekend.
• Jun 23, 2011: Botswana: Saleshando to move motion of no confidence in Khama, Mmegi (2011) The article reports reports on the plan by Gaborone central legislator, Dumelang Saleshando to to move a motion of no confidence against President Ian Khama at the next Parliament sitting. It is reported that some Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) MPs have also expressed concern over Ian Khama's presidency.
• May 04, 2011: Botswana: Motswaledi is BMD President, Mmegi (2011) The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has elected its leadership at its first congress of the organisation. Gomolemo Motswaledi emerged as the first president of the party.
• Apr 10, 2011: Botswana: Opposition says people must elect mayors, council chairmen, Mmegi (2011) The opposition party in Botswana is unhappy with the currect electoral system. It is reported that the Botswana National Front wants a system in which people will elect the mayor rather than councillors.
• Mar 23, 2011: Botswana: Opposition parties sign on by-elections, Mmegi (2011) Botswana opposition parties have agreed on the By-Elections Joint Committee. It is reported that the three parties seek to work together and challenge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party(BDP) in the by-elections between 2011 and the next general elections in 2014.
• Mar 04, 2011: Botswana hosts international elections symposium, Mmegi (2011) The article reports on the upcoming GEO conference in Botswana. It is reported that Botswana President, Ian Khama will officially open the conference
• Jan 26, 2011: Botswana: BNF mobilises 'unity talks' team, Mmegi (2011) The article on the preparations by Botswana National Front (BNF) to enter the opposition cooperation talks. It is reported has appointed a team to represent it during the talks.
• Jan 25, 2011: Botswana: The BMD has no secret donors - Pilane, Mmegi (2011) The article discusses Botswana Movement for Democracy's (BMD) funding sources. This comes after the party settled the interim chairman, Gomolemo Motswaledi's legal costs quickly.
• Oct 15, 2010: Botswana: BDP central committee to address Mogapi electorate, Mmegi (2010) The article reports on Joseph Dintwa's defection to Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) from the rulling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). BDP's central committee is expected to address party members in Mogapi ward, were Dintwa used to hold a seat on November 20.
• Sep 07, 2010: Botswana: Molao Wins, Mmegi (2010) The article discusses the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) retaining the Tonota North parliamentary seat during the recent by-election. The win saw Fidelis Mmilili Molao of BDP emerging victorious.
• Sep 01, 2010: Botswana: Two Molepolole North councillors defect to BMD, Mmegi (2010) Two more members from the ruling BDP party defect to the new Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD). The two cited the changes in the BDP as the reasons for leaving the party.
• Aug 23, 2010: Botswana: BMD in registration drive, Mmegi (2010) This article discusses the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) party's mobilisation progress. BMD has revealed that it has so far recruited more than 65, 000 members in its three months existence.
• Aug 23, 2010: Botswana: IEC ready for Tonota North by-election, Mmegi (2010) This article discusses Independent Electoral Commission's readiness to hold by-election in Tonota. Secretary of the IEC, Gabriel Seeletso stated that the IEC is ready and material needed for the election is ready with the exception of ballot papers which are still being printed.
• Aug 11, 2010: Botswana: Another BDP MP defects to BMD, Mmegi (2010) Party member defects to another party
• Aug 11, 2010: Botswana: BDP could expel Tonota north ballot fiddler – Tafa, Mmegi (2010) Party member to face disciplinary actions.
• Jul 19, 2010: Botswana: Gaborone quits BNF race, Mmegi (2010) Party member quits leadership race just before the elective conference
• Jul 19, 2010: Botswana: Political party congresses on this month, Mmegi (2010) Parties prepare to hold their congresses this month.
• Jul 19, 2010: Botswana: Surprises as BMD MPs fail to cross the floor, Mmegi (2010) Party members try to defect to other parties
• Jul 19, 2010: Botswana: BDP Kgatleng Cllrs And Branch Leaders Defect To BMD, Mmegi (2010) Party members defecting to other parties
• Jun 22, 2010: Botswana: BDP loses Councillor Tshekiso to BMD, Mmegi (2010) Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has experienced another loss in specially elected councillor in Nkange constituency, Johannes Kagiso Tshekiso who has jumped ship to join newly formed Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD).
• Jun 22, 2010: Botswana: New BDP youth executive appointed: no elections held, Mmegi (2010) The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) youth wing ushered in a new youth executive committee (YEC) this weekend, in a compromise decision that left no room for elections despite disgruntlement by some members.
• Jun 21, 2010: Botswana: Khama's pick expected to lead BDP youth, Mmegi (201) As the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Youth Wing gathers in Gaborone to elect its executive committee this weekend, the question is whether the congress will yield a new breed of leadership or another band of Khama conformists.
• Jun 14, 2010: Botswana: Gaborone Central officials dump BDP, Mmegi (2010) Officials of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Gaborone Central branch have resigned to join the breakaway Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD).
• Jun 14, 2010: Botswana: BMD claims over 10,000 members, Mmegi (2010) Two weeks after its official launch, the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has said it has registered more than 10,000 members.
• May 20, 2010: Botswana: BMD creates youth league, Mmegi (2010) As the hype around the birth of the Botswana Movement for Democracy ensues, the organisation has announced that it has created a youth league, whose constitution is currently being drafted.
• May 17, 2010: Botswana: BMD welcome, then what..., Mmegi (2010) There has been plenty of goodwill for the newly formed Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), a breakaway party from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
• May 17, 2010: Botswana: BNF central committee accused of election ruse, Mmegi (2010) The central committee of the Botswana National Front has been accused of using underhand tactics to ensure its preferred candidates win the BNF youth league elections this weekend.
• May 17, 2010: Botswana: BMD constitution limits president's powers, Mmegi (2010) The constitution of the newly formed Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) differs from that of the Botswana Democracy Party (BDP) in fundamental ways. After all it is the way the BDP constitution has been interpreted by those at the top that has led to the ruling party's split in the first place.
• May 17, 2010:
• May 17, 2010: Botswana walks the way of British electoral crisis, Mmegi (2010) Together they form part of a not so large phalanx of BDP supporters who, nevertheless, were soon to overwhelm the opposition in the first general election, to have a preparatory year of hands on experience of government under British tutelage and were then to take flight with the achievement of Independence in September 1966.
• Apr 29, 2010: Botswana splinter group forms new party, IOL (2010) A splinter group of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party which recently fell out with its leader and country President Ian Khama has formed a new party, an official confirmed Tuesday.
• Apr 29, 2010: Botswana: We are almost there: Barata-Phathi, Mmegi (2010) The Barata Phathi splinter group of the Botswana Democratic Party will by Sunday have finalized an interim constitution and decided on a name.
• Apr 29, 2010: Botswana: BDP fights to retain members as Barata-Phathi makes move, Mmegi (2010) Goals are important in a football game. They set apart winners from losers.
• Apr 22, 2010: Botswana: 'If BDP Can Have BTV, I Want It Too-Kanjabanga', Mmegi (2010) The Director of Broadcasting Services, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, has responded positively to a letter in which a Botswana National Front (BNF) activist was demanding to be given a slot on the government electronic media.
• Apr 09, 2010: Botswana: Unity is here, Mmegi (2010) The long awaited merger between the Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM) and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) into one party will be introduced to the public at a press conference in Gaborone today.
• Apr 06, 2010: Botswana: The BDP split: What should the nation expect?, Mmegi (2010) "The body politic, as well as the human body, begins to die as soon as it is born, and carries in itself the causes of its destruction".
• Mar 31, 2010: Botswana: Could Khama really call a snap election?, The Botswana Gazette (2010) Opposition parties have mixed feelings about the possibility of President Khama calling fresh elections should a large number of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members leave the party.
• Mar 29, 2010: Botswana: Tsholofelo by-election a test for BDP, Mmegi (2010) The Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) strength is going to be tested in tomorrow's council by-election for Tsholofelo South ward in Gaborone North.
• Mar 29, 2010: Botswana: New party: April Fools' prank?, Mmegi (2010) A peace meeting to be convened at the behest of former president Sir Ketumnile Masire to reconcile the warring factions in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will determine if the Barata-Phathi's profession that they are forming a new party was real or an early April Fools Day prank.
• Mar 25, 2010: Botswana dissidents plan new party, IOL (2010) Three top members of Botswana's ruling party are set to form a rival faction, officials said on Tuesday, accusing President Ian Khama of undermining democracy with his heavy-handed leadership.
• Mar 15, 2010: Botswana: Give IEC more resources, Mmegi (2010) The Member of Parliament for Palapye, Moiseraele Goya, has appealed to the government to give more powers to the Independent Electoral Commission in order to improve its efficiency.
• Mar 08, 2010: Botswana: Three could slug it out for BNF presidency, Mmegi (2010) With the much awaited BNF central committee elections just three months away party activists are firing lobby lists in readiness for the make or break July 2010 congress. It appears there might be three presidential camps at the congress.
• Oct 20, 2009: SADC observers arrive for Botswana elections, The Zimbabwean (2009) The Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Observer Mission for next Friday's Botswana elections has said it will monitor access to media by political parties.
• Oct 20, 2009: Ruling party win likely as Botswana set to vote, Daily Nation (2009) It is all systems go on Friday Africa’s oldest multiparty democracy, Botswana holds its 10th general elections since independence from Britain in 1966.
• Oct 20, 2009: Radio Station Ban Political Programs, Melodika (2009) The Chief Executive Officer of Gabzfm Radio Station has banned all political broadcast on the station. In an announcement on 24 August 2009, Kenneth Moeng said, “all political, politically motivated discussions, commentary or opinions,” are banned from being broadcast on the radio station.
• Oct 20, 2009: Election 2009 - Averting another ‘Tshiamo’ or electoral coup, Sundaystandard (2009) The much celebrated ‘Tshiamo ballot box’ squirted out of the bunch that lay carelessly at the Office of the President after election day in 1984 where Festus Mogae, then Permanent Secretary to the president and supervisor of elections, had learnt that Kenneth Koma’s counting offices had applied for a recount.
• Oct 20, 2009: BDP heavyweights toppled by bulela ditswe in Francistown, Sundaystandard (2009) A number of Botswana Democratic Party political heavyweights in Francistown have fallen prey to the party’s stormy bulela ditswe primary elections, and will not feature in the October general elections.
• Oct 20, 2009: President suspends rival, exposing rift, MG (2009) Botswana's president has moved against a rival in his party, exposing an internal split with only months to go before elections.
• Oct 18, 2009: Botswana: International IDEA to audit of the Botswana 2009 elections, International IDEA (2009) International IDEA and the Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) will undertake an audit of the Botswana elections scheduled for 16 October 2009.
• Oct 18, 2009: Botswana: BCP Candidate May Challenge Results, AEP (2009) The Botswana Congress Party in the South East South constituency is scheduled to meet on Sunday afternoon to decide whether or not to challenge the results of the Friday poll in the area.
• Oct 18, 2009: Botswana: Khama To Give A BDP Victory Speech, AEP (2009) President Ian Khama is to give his victory speech at a Botswana Democratic Party [BDP] rally at Old Naledi in the Gaborone South constituency on Sunday afternoon.
• Oct 17, 2009: Botswana: Presidential visits bear fruit, BOPA (2009) Presidential visits around the country have borne positive results. Speaking during a BDP rally in Tutume on Friday, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said it is his duty as the President to go around the country and see how people live, as well as to get their views in order to make relevant decisions.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswama: Two to observe Botswana election, Swazi Observer (2009) Two elections observers will attend the upcoming elections in Botswana which will be held later this month.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswana: The Youth Eager to Vote, Mmegi (2009) Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been described as the number one enemy of Batswana because it denied them employment opportunities.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswana: BDP Batswanas enemy Bantsi, BOPA (2009) Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been described as the number one enemy of Batswana because it denied them employment opportunities.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswana: Venson-Moitoi re-affirms ministry commitment, BOPA (2009) The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST), Ms Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has reaffirmed Botswana Television (Btv) and Radio Botswanas commitment to upholding the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters during elections.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswana: BDP canvass for support in Gaborone North, BOPA (2009) The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) leader, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has challenged the nation to judge his administration on the basis of his capabilities and achievements for the time he has been in power.
• Oct 16, 2009: Botswana: BPP Candidate Encourages Young Politicians, Mmegi (2009) A Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) candidate in Francistown, Clifford Othusitse, has urged all youthful contestants in the general elections not to be daunted by their lack of resources.
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