Gaborone  - Botswana's President Ian Khama on Monday declared himself "a bit uncomfortable" with the principle of presidential immunity that a disaffected faction of his party is challenging in court.

In an exclusive interview with the German Press Agency dpa three weeks before his first electoral test, Khama said: "Whether they say the president should be above the law is something which I would welcome as a debate."

A court diamond-rich Botswana, which is usually held up as a model of democracy on the African continent, ruled earlier this month that the constitution gave the president "total" immunity, "both in his private and official capacities."

The court was ruling on an application by the suspended secretary- general of Khama'a ruling Botswana Democratic Party, Gomolemo Motswaledi, to have his suspension by Khama declared illegal.

Motswaledi was suspened alleged indiscipline within the party declared illegal.

On Tuesday the Supreme Court of Appeal is due to hear a challenge to the High Court immunity finding.

Accusing "a few selfish people" within the party of putting their personal interests ahead of the party good, Khama said he would brook no factions within the BPD because "factionalism brings about disunity which is brought about by indiscipline."

Former vice-president Khama was elevated to the post of president last year when former president Festus Mogae stepped down. The October 16 general elections are the first test of his rule.(dpa)