Segokgo secures victory in BNF primaries
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday May 21, 2024 06:00
Unlike his previous focus on a portfolio in council, he has set his sights on a parliamentary seat and has this time won the BNF primary elections against his cousin, former MP Masego Segokgo.
He was battling it out with Masego, who got 112 votes, whilst Segokgo got 690, and Edward Lekoko received 177 votes.
Masego is a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tlokweng who won the by-elections in 2017 following the death of area MP Same Bathobakae. Segokgo has earned a strong reputation for effective service delivery during his tenure as SDEC chairperson. Under his leadership, Tlokweng transitioned to become a full council, no longer falling under Ramotswa.
Many within the BNF believe that Segokgo’s track record positions him well to win the constituency, even against his other cousin, Thulaganyo Segokgo, who is a member of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Although Tlokweng transitioned to a full council in 2024, after Segokgo lost the 2019 General Election, his performance remains highly regarded.
Segokgo faces significant challenges in reconciling aggrieved party members who believe that the Alliance for Progressives (Assumed Party) does not deserve certain wards based on its performance in the 2019 General Election. However, members feel that the party leadership should step up to unite the party.
Additionally, members believe that Segokgo cannot win without the support of Botswana National Front (BNF) members, despite having some sympathetic votes. When addressing voters on Saturday, Segokgo expressed gratitude to those who attended despite the primary elections in the area being postponed several times.
He emphasised his aim to engage with all candidates that he contested against to foster collaboration. 'It has to be clear, these are my uncles; we are not fighting. We had differences in how we see things only,” Segokgo clarified. He underlined that without party unity in the area, they cannot succeed or reclaim the area from the BDP. Segokgo acknowledged that as leaders, it must be understood that they are not perfect.
He added that he cannot be judged solely on past flaws, especially those committed in his youth. Furthermore, he earnestly pleaded with members to campaign for him wholeheartedly, without hesitation, and to commit to campaigning every day, leaving no stone unturned.