BDP councillor withdraws candidacy, decries voters roll manipulation

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 26, 2024 12:17

He expressed displeasure that some Block 7 residents are missing from the voters’ roll and noted that even his wife and sister are incorrectly listed in Block 3 instead of Block 7 (Peolwane). Sebereko is the incumbent councillor for Peolwane ward. If he stood, he was going to battle it out with music promoter Gilbert Seagile popularly known as PP Wa Pimp who now remains unchallenged. The party primaries for Gaborone Bonnington North constituency will be held this weekend.

In his letter dated July 24, 2023 to the Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC) and party secretary-general reads in part: “I am writing to officially withdraw my candidacy from the upcoming primary elections for Peolwane ward in Gaborone Bonnington North. After careful consideration and significant concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process, I have made the difficult decision to not participate in an election that appears to be marred by discrepancies and irregularities,” he said. He said the issues with the voters’ roll provided for verification, as outlined in his previous letter, have not been adequately addressed, and the lack of transparency in the preparation of the electoral process has led him to the conclusion that participating in such an election would not only be futile but also unethical.

Furthermore, Sebereko said as a candidate who values fairness and transparency, he cannot in good conscience legitimise a flawed electoral process. Equally, he said he does recognise the importance of upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. Moreover, he said unfortunately, the current circumstances surrounding the primary elections for Peolwane ward do not meet these standards, and feels it is necessary to take a stand against participating in a process that lacks credibility. Moreover, Sebereko said they would keep on serving the residents of Peolwane ward. Mmegi has learnt that Sebereko might contest for the polls and he told his area residents in one of his WhatsApp groups that he awaits their advice.