Botswana's President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama has warned members of his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to desist from tarnishing the party's image through social media.

Addressing delegates at the BDP's youth congress, Khama told delegates that party members should stop tainting the party's name on social media.

"I noted, with great concern, over the past months a tendency by some BDP members, including youth members, to write tarnishing messages about the party on social media.

I strongly believe the social media can be used more positively to promote the party and its candidates," said Khama.

He reminded his fellow democrats that the party has structure to resolve issues rising with the party.

"As we all know, the party has structures through which any grievance or query can be routed. Let us all be encouraged to utilize these structures optimally at all times. We cannot allow ourselves to derive any pleasure from rebuking or tarnishing fellow democrats or the party itself in public."

President Khama became active on social media, last September, ahead of the country's general elections slated for October 24.

In his welcome remarks he said: "I will from time to time be available for live chats with you, looking forward to engaging debates with everyone."

Last year, Botswana passed legislation to control use of cyber space, especial social network media such as facebook, twitter and others - Electronic Records Evidence Act.

Under the law individuals insulted or defamed on social media are allowed to present electronic records from cyber space, as evidence to court.

Offenders risk a P10,000 fine, five years in prison or both under the Electronic Records Evidence Act which complements the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, and allow electronic evidence as admissible in the country's criminal procedures.