BCP embarks on primaries second phase
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday October 24, 2023 06:00
In the next phase, 14 to 17 constituencies, including areas in Gaborone, will go for the primaries, building on the initial nine constituencies covered in the first phase.
Despite this, only four unsuccessful council candidates have approached the party. According to a letter dated October 11 from BCP secretary-general, Goretetse Kekgonegile, candidates are permitted to canvass for support amongst members, but strict guidelines are in place.
The use of posters, banners, vehicle branding, business cards, character assassination through social media, public rallies, or any unconventional campaign methods are strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification, the writ reads. As of October 31, 2023, completed application forms are to be submitted to the constituency committee.
The committee is advised to provide comments on all applicants and in cases of adverse comments, the affected applicant must be interviewed to establish the facts before forwarding the application to the office. The letter emphasises that constituency comments must be clear and elaborate. “Note that the second phase writ only affects constituencies and wards that did not undergo the nomination primary elections process in the first batch of primaries,” it further reads. Regarding fees, all aspirant candidates will pay P1,500 for council seats and P5,000 for parliamentary seats, with proof of payment required with the application.
However, women, youth, designated remote area dwellers, and people with disabilities will pay reduced fees of P750 and P2,500 for council and parliamentary candidates, respectively. Additionally, candidates contesting in primaries should not have any criminal records. In the first batch, BCP Elections National Director, Vain Mamela reported overall smooth proceedings. “According to the reports that I have received, things went well during the elections except in areas where they had minor obstacles,” he said.
“However, those who were in charge of those areas managed to resolve some of the challenges they encountered. Some of the worries raised by the appellants relate to the names of their members which were not on the voters' roll.”