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Uncertainty looms over Serame’s campaign

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the BDP supporters in Goodhope-Mmathethe are truly loyal PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the BDP supporters in Goodhope-Mmathethe are truly loyal PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the BDP supporters in Goodhope-Mmathethe are truly loyal PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE

For instance, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) president, Duma Boko, held one of the most attended rallies before the 2019 polls, yet he ultimately lost, despite widespread expectations of an easy win. Similarly, in 2014, Botsalo Ntuane had a well-attended and organised campaign launch, but he did not succeed in the election. On Sunday, Serame hosted a highly organised and well-attended launch, with party members being transported in buses from various parts of her constituency. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the BDP supporters in Goodhope-Mmathethe are truly loyal or merely pretending, a question that will be answered on October 30, 2024. This uncertainty arises after Dr Edwin Dikoloti, who had contested the primaries and won against Serame, decided to run as an independent candidate after the BDP central committee's decision to go with Serame. Although Serame lost the primaries by a wide margin, the BDP central committee eventually selected her after she appealed the results citing irregularities. The electoral board ruled out a rerun, but the central committee determined that Dikoloti had unfairly influenced the primary elections by bringing in people from other areas to vote. As a result, many of Dikoloti’s supporters were disgruntled, with some joining him under the 'Wena Beula' slogan, while others stayed with the party.

This controversy has caused tension in some villages, where many believe that Dikoloti was unfairly treated by the party leadership. Before the primaries, it was reported that Dikoloti had been warned by the party to stop promoting factions within it and also refrain from using the name 'Beula'. During the launch, Serame explained to President Mokgweetsi Masisi that the crowds at the launch were merely residents of that area and also party members. “We had provided transport for the members because this area is wide and far apart. This constituency has 21 council candidates from all the 52 villages. It is the biggest constituency in the country. It has its challenges like electricity and internal roads, amongst others,” she said.

While some residents remain committed to voting for Dikoloti, the high turnout at Serame's Sunday rally raises questions about whether those voters have reconsidered their stance after the party's outreach efforts. However, the deputy campaign manager, Alfred Madigele, acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent events, particularly the suspension of former MP Dikoloti. He stated: 'We have accepted that there is a challenge because of the recent events that led to the suspension of Dikoloti. The BDP as an institution has stood the test of time and in the end, it has always remained victorious. Our teams are working hard in all the 52 villages. We don't want to leave any stone unturned. It is not easy, but we are working very hard. Some people will vote for the party, and yes, some have gone with him.' Furthermore, Madigele emphasised that party members must remember that the BDP is bigger than any individual member.

He also noted that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has made decisions similar to those taken by the BDP. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of explaining to the public what transpired, as not everyone is politically active, though many do vote. He also emphasised the geographical challenge of the constituency, saying it is vast and has 21 councillors. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Dikoloti remains a strong contender in the area and has successfully infiltrated the BDP structures. 'Some councillors still believe in him. The BDP faces a serious challenge in changing people's mindset within two weeks. His presence is still felt on the ground and some people sympathise with him. The issue is that he has never neglected the area and has very strong teams that remain visible,' a source revealed.

The source further added that some BDP members may be 'slippery,' potentially casting their votes for Dikoloti. The source also noted that if the decision had been made earlier, the situation might not be as difficult as it is now. To bolster Serame's chances, the constituency has now been assigned three campaign chairpersons, including notable figures like Kopo Mononi and former Member of Parliament Madigele, to lead the effort and ensure a strong campaign.