BDP holds Moselewapula primaries
Chakalisa Dube | Monday July 4, 2022 06:00
For weeks there have been reports that some party members were pushing for a consensus candidate. Late last week, BDP members at Moselewapula convened a meeting where a proposal for a consensus was declined by prospective candidates.
Even the party regional leadership tried its best to convince members to go for a consensus candidate but failed.
BDP Francistown region chairperson, Baemedi Medupi told Mmegi yesterday that it is common that when there is a by-election the first option for the party is to push for a compromise candidate.
“However, it is worth noting that in instances where the membership fails to settle for a consensus candidate it goes for primaries,” he said.
“For Moselewapula by-election the party will go for the primaries on the 2nd of July. Everything relating to the primaries is in the hands of the party’s ward leaders. The regional leadership should not be seen to be meddling on issues that fall under the mandate of ward leaders. The regional leadership can only play an advisory role,” Medupi added.
History has shown that the ruling party primaries are divisive and are often characterised by infighting. They have on some occasions impacted negatively on the party’s prospects of winning elections.
A by-election will be held in Moselewapula on July 30 to replace fallen Botswana Congress Party councillor, Reuben Kethoilwe.
Four candidates have officially confirmed that they will take part in the BDP primaries on Saturday.
Mmegi has established that former Francistown West constituency candidate, Joseph Mabutho is amongst those who will take part in the primaries. Mabutho is also a former nominated councillor.
He contested the Francistown West by-election in 2014 as an independent candidate, but lost to Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP) Dr Habaudi Hobona. Longtime BDP activist, Misiyose Tadubana has also thrown his name in the ring. Tadubana is said to be amongst the favourites to win the primaries.
Another surprise entrant in the race is ‘Bana ba bana Ntogwa’ lead singer Ngwisiwa Ntogwa. Richard Thomas who is relatively unknown is also amongst the participants at the primaries.
Former deputy mayor, Joyce Ndove was initially amongst those who were widely thought to be interested in contesting the primaries but has since pulled out of the race.