According to BDP sources, the task force was appointed by a central committee run and controlled by President Festus Mogae and Vice President Ian Khama’s faction. The over-riding motive, they say is not to ensure that the many electoral complaints from the party primary elections are dealt with. They claim the task force is meant to ensure that candidates who are loyal to the Kedikilwe and Kwelagobe faction are purged out.
“They are not that crude. They are merely legitimising what is essentially a factional fight for political supremacy by appointing some task force,” one said.
Some members of the Kedikilwe -Kwelagobe faction told Mmegi that they fear that most of their allies’ appeals might be thrown out while those from the rival faction would be entertained. “You just wait and see. Primaries in some constituencies are going to be re-held. You be the judge. These will be constituencies won by some of our men and women,” said a council candidate who identified himself as a star in the Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe axis.
Mmadinare MP and former BDP chairman, Ponatshego Kedikilwe declined to comment on allegations that the task force’s appointment is suspect. “I hear all these from you,” he said.
Former BDP Deputy Secretary General and one of the people said to be on the black list, Pelonomi Venson said she does not think the committee is factional.
“The party wants to heal from a very engaging campaign in the Ghanzi congress. I trust that the central committee had this in mind in when setting up the committee. I have hope the task force will leave up to this,” said Venson who beat fellow cabinet minister Tebelelo Seretse in Serowe primaries.
Kgotla Autlwetse, the Bulela Ditswe victor in Serowe South North who has been linked with the Kedikilwe faction took exception to claims of factionalism in the party.
“There are no Khama or Kedikilwe factions. What we have are BDP supporters. I am just that,” he said.
The BDP executive Secretary, Botsalo Ntuane, said the party has faith in the task force.
“These are men and women of substance, integrity and honour. They were appointed to the task force because they have integrity. Our perceived differences in the party should not be interpreted as factionalism and the task force is not by any means a factional appointment,” he said.
