AP fields all its 12 MP seats
Monday July 1, 2024 08:57
Ndaba Gaolathe
(Gaborone Bonnington South)Bonnington South’s Gaolathe is experienced, having served as the MP for the area during the period 2014-2019. He is well-known locally. He lost the 2019 General Election after his former party Botswana Movement for Democracy split to form the AP. Now, with the AP collaborating with the UDC, Gaolathe has a strong chance of winning if he works as hard as before. However, with the BCP running independently and the stable BDP, challenges remain. Gaolathe, the AP president and the UDC vice president, commands respect and is widely regarded for his capabilities. The constituency he is contesting in is unpredictable, with homes that make it difficult to estimate voter numbers.
Phenyo Butale (Gaborone Central)Gaborone Central is a complex constituency, home to many educated residents, including those at tertiary schools and officers. Butale, a former MP, lost in the 2019 General Election. Facing strong challengers in the upcoming polls, Butale’s hard work may still pay off. No party can claim control of the area, as it frequently changes hands during general elections. The appeal and manifesto of each party, and how people relate to them, play a crucial role. Other political parties that are stronger include the BDP and the BCP.
Shima Monageng (Molepolole South) Molepolole South is a controversial constituency where some Botswana National Front (BNF) dissidents campaign using the UDC slogans and colours, despite a confirmed parliamentary candidate. Monageng faces a strong challenge as the BNF leadership must convince its members to vote for the AP candidate. Both the BDP and the BNF are strong in this area, with the BNF having established its base over a long period. In the 2014 General Election, the UDC won but lost in 2019. Monageng hopes to win if he contests under the UDC ticket.
Helen Pushie Manyeneng
(Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe)Mmopane-Metsemotlhabe has consistently been won by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) by a large margin. However, opposition parties, especially the UDC, has been gaining ground, registering a good number of supporters. With a well-known and active woman candidate, Manyeneng, it remains to be seen if she can snatch the area from the BDP. She still has much work to do in the rural lands and cattle posts where some residents live. If the current Member of Parliament, Nnaniki Makwinja, wins her party’s nomination, it will be a battle between two women. Both will strive to prove their strength, but having a solid political base will significantly aid in securing victory. Makwinja will be contesting for the BDP primary elections.
Mule Lekau (Mogoditshane West)Mogoditshane has been split into two constituencies. It remains to be seen which party will appeal to Mogoditshane West residents on election day. With the UDC coalition being a well-known brand, Lekau will easily promote himself. Additionally, Lekau is recognised in the area as a hard worker. The constituency has many residents who are either employed in the area or have come there seeking jobs. People typically vote for the party whose manifesto addresses their problems, needs, and wants. Any party stands a chance to win the area, depending on how hard it works. Currently, no party can claim dominance as the area is new. Therefore, hard work will be crucial for any party seeking victory.
Pius Mokgware (Gabane-Mmankgodi)Mokgware is a former MP of the area and is not new to politics. He knows the game well and how to manoeuvre through political challenges. The UDC, like the BDP, has a strong political base. This time around, he is forced to double his efforts to win the area back from the BDP.
Mokgware lost the elections in 2019 when the AP contested independently. It remains to be seen if the UDC’s manifesto and strategies will work for him this time around.
Dr Tshephang Makwati (Bobirwa)Without the BCP, the UDC has never been particularly strong in Bobirwa. It won the constituency in the 2019 General Election due to its coalition with the BCP. After the BCP now pulled out, it remains to be seen if it can make a surprising comeback, especially since it is not cooperating with the BPF. However, no one can rule out Makwati. He will be forced to triple his efforts. The BDP has been strong in this area and it only lost it for the first time in the 2019 General Election.
Kopano Rannatshe
(Thamaga-Kumakwane)Rannatshe is not new to the political game of contesting general elections. Even if he loses, he does not seem to give up on what he really wants. He is determined to become the MP of the area. Despite the fact that the constituency has never been won by an opposition party, with the BDP always winning by a large margin, he seems hopeful that one day they will win. However, statistics show that the UDC has a long way to go to achieve victory. Rannatshe will have to work extremely hard to win the area. With the numbers not favouring them, the UDC does not seem eager to recruit a member who can secure a victory, nor does it appear to appeal to those who can easily connect with the electorate and make winning easier.
Wynter Mmolotsi (Francistown South)Mmolotsi is seeking his fourth term in Parliament for this area. It remains to be seen if he will remain unshakeable. He first won the seat as a BDP candidate and subsequently as a member of the opposition. Running as an AP candidate, he won the area by a slim margin against both the BDP and UDC. If the numbers align in his favour, he might win again with a larger margin. However, Mmolotsi has to work extra hard, as both the BDP and UDC have strong bases in the area.
He has a strong relationship with the people of that area. Mmolotsi became an MP at a young age, having risen through the BDP ranks. In 2010, he and others resigned from the BDP to form the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), aiming for party leadership positions.
Tiego Mpho (Maun West)Maun West faces a new campaign challenge for the UDC following the split of the BCP from their coalition. Although the UDC previously won the area, the current MP, Dumelang Saleshando, is the president of the BCP.
It is widely known that both the BCP and the BDP have strong political bases in the area. However, Mpho, who is also well-known in the region, cannot be discounted. He will need to prove himself as well, especially since the current MP will contest the Maun North constituency.
Victor Liwena (Chobe) In Chobe, similar to Maun, the UDC faces challenges due to its lack of popularity compared to the BCP and the BDP. Its political base is not strong in the area. Liwena will be required to triple his efforts to gain traction. Building a political base is a gradual process that takes time and years for people to become familiar with it.