AP, BCP tussle over Bosele ward
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 27, 2023 06:00
So far, the duo has expressed interest to contest the ward in Gaborone Bonnington North. This has, however, brought misunderstanding amongst the members of the two political parties who have started to attack each other openly on social media platforms.
Lately, some members have started doubting whether the new coalition will work especially when partners want to contest as individuals in all the by-elections. AP, BCP and the Botswana Labour Party (BLP) have formed their own coalition.
The BCP is expected to make its position with the other coalition, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) clear especially after its recent conference concluded that they should dump the old partner, the UDC.
The by-election for Bosele ward and Grootlaagte in Gantsi North constituency will be held on March 25, 2023. The positions for the council seats fell vacant after the deaths of area councillors. Last week, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) wrote to all stakeholders that all parties should submit the names of their preferred candidates on March 3, 2023. In an interview, the AP secretary-general Dr Phenyo Butale, on Wednesday confirmed that as a party, "it is true we have expressed interest to contest at Bosele ward and another party has done so as well. Currently, we are pleading with our members in all parties to have trust in their leadership.
This matter will be resolved amicably and we will release the name of a person who will represent us in due course. This matter will be resolved soon.” He, however, said it is wrong for members to start attacking each other when the matter is still being discussed by all concerned members. The AP secretary-general said he is aware of what was lately happening on social media hence they are pleading with members to remain calm and focus on the bigger project. Butale said it is always important to give leaders space to deal with issues without putting pressure on or trying to influence any decision they are trying to make or take.
For his part, the BCP secretary-general Goretetse Kekgonegile recently said the three parties will meet this week to finalise the matter and a candidate to represent them all. He highlighted that the meeting will take place on Thursday (yesterday) and thereafter, a press release will be issued before the end of the week. Early this year, the three parties issued a press release notifying the public that talks between them are in motion, with the three partners having already decided on the model of cooperation.
They also anticipated that the constituency allocation exercise would be concluded by end of this month. Meanwhile, some political parties, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have already identified their aspirant candidates for the two wards and campaigns have kick-started in those areas.