Gaborone Central: A unique BDP primaries case

Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday July 30, 2024 09:35

Even the first ever Gaborone Central Member of Parliament (MP) the late political icon and stalwart Michael Dingake served for one term between 1994 and 1999 only to lose after defecting from the Botswana National front (BNF) to Botswana Congress Party (BCP). It is only the BCP leader, Dumelang Saleshando who managed to win two consecutive terms in the constituency’s entire 30 year history. This unprecedented trend sets Gaborone Central apart from all other constituencies in the country, highlighting a unique aspect of its political landscape.

The BDP primaries, a crucial part of the political process, typically see candidates running for multiple terms, leveraging their experience and established support base. However, in Gaborone Central, each election cycle has witnessed new faces and fresh competition, with incumbents choosing not to seek re-election or failing to secure their party’s nomination for a second term. In the same constituency, the BDP has never had the same representatives for this constituency going into a General Election since 2009. This pattern raises several questions about the political dynamics within Gaborone Central. It suggests a possible high turnover rate, a dynamic political environment, or perhaps a constituency that values fresh perspectives and new leadership over continuity. Understanding the reasons behind this unique trend could provide deeper insights into the political culture and voter expectations in Gaborone Central.

Historically, Gaborone Central has seen a diverse array of representatives. Dingake lost to Margaret Nasha of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in 1999 only for the latter to lose to the then young Saleshando in what was David vs Goliath encounter in 2004. Saleshando managed re-election in 2009 before Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)’s Phenyo Butale brought back the trend by ousting Saleshando. Butale also didn’t last after his then party Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) split to form the Alliance for Progressives (AP) in 2017. As a result, incumbent Healy reclaimed the seat for the BDP in the 2019 General Election. However, Healy's tenure has come to an end as he has lost the constituency because now his fellow BDP member Bontsi Monare has secured the party candidacy. This loss reinforces the unique pattern of non-continuity for incumbents in Gaborone Central. Monare will face Mpho Pheko of the BCP and Butale of the UDC in the upcoming polls slated for October. Pheko who contested under the UDC in 2019 is trying her luck once more but this time in BCP colours following the latter’s withdrawal from the opposition coalition. After the AP joined the UDC, Butale who was the constituency MP from 2014 to 2019 before losing to Healy, will once again contest under the UDC ticket and will be a significant contender.

The coming polls will be tough to predict. Pheko’s unopposed run in the BCP primaries highlights party support .Similarly, Butale’s prior experience as MP adds another layer of competition for Monare. As the BDP continues to prepare for future elections, the case of Gaborone Central remains a noteworthy example of the evolving nature of political engagement and candidate selection within the party.