The battle for Selebi-Phikwe West
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 22, 2024 10:22
In the context of Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has had the rare distinction of enjoying custody of the power of the people for almost six decades. But, 2024 is no ordinary year for the country. Once again, the people have regained their power following the elapse of the five-year political contract, which they (the people) temporarily transferred to the BDP in the last election cycle from 2019 to 2024. Now, another opportunity presents itself to the 61 political constituencies to exercise their right to self-determination.
This is a choice between extending the BDP's uninterrupted monopoly of power and ushering in a novel and unprecedented political dispensation. Determining which party or individual candidates to settle for is not as simple and clear as choosing between good and evil. All political forces involved in the political contest possess a good mix of evil and good. The two options are maintaining the familiar status quo with its known strengths and imperfections or settling for an audacious alternative route that would usher a novel and unchartered territory. This is the challenge facing the electorate in Selebi-Phikwe, a town that has become a shadow of its former self since the demise of mining in 2016. It is common knowledge that the Delimitation Commission saw no justification to make any drastic changes in the political boundaries of the town. Just like in 2019, Selebi-Phikwe is subdivided into two electoral war zones: East and West. The political atmosphere is a bit overcrowded because of the fragmentation of opposition parties as compared to the previous election where they fought as a united front. On the western front, three political parties, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), and the Umbrella For Democratic Change, are competing for the soul of the constituency. Interestingly, by design or accident, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) did not field any parliamentary candidate in the west. For some unclear reason, the East has attracted more contestants than the West as five candidates are vying for the vacant political office. Of these five, four are representing political parties, while one is an independent candidate. The parties seeking a stake in the constituency are BDP, BPF, UDC, BCP, and the independent voice. It seems Selebi-Phikwe is poised to have a mouth-watering contest where all political players would give a good account of themselves. Save for the little-known independent candidate, it seems there are no political minnows in the town. It is pretty hard to predict the outcomes with any degree of certainty. However, a little tour of the strengths and limitations of all the contestants might shed some light. It is safe to begin with an assessment and appraisal of the institutional strength or capacity of the players involved.
Botswana Congress Party
Selebi-Phikwe is considered a haven for the BCP. The party is standing on the shoulders of giants like Gilson Saleshando, who, together with his colleagues, laid a rock-solid foundation for the party in the town and elsewhere. In the last election, the BCP running on the UDC ticket had total power, winning both East and West. The BCP has an added political advantage accruing from incumbency. Incumbency also has its challenges, as the BCP can be found blameworthy, correctly or wrongly, for whatever did not happen in Selebi-Phikwe over the last five years. That notwithstanding, the party still hopes to attract the sympathy and support of the former employees of BCL and residents who understand the history of the town. The BCP appears to be enjoying organisational stability and internal peace. What is more, the party seems to be relatively resourced to put up a strong fight. The BCP is visible in the town and continues to mount public and door-to-door meetings to lure voters.
Botswana Democratic Party
The BDP is a seasoned political campaigner basking in its past glory. The party has dominated the political scene for 58 years and can claim with some degree of justification to have accumulated a wealth of experience and lessons. It is a party synonymous with the developments of the country. Above all, the party seems to be better resourced than its competitors. Its political materials are widely spread in strategic areas in Selebi-Phikwe, signalling that it is a force to reckon with. Having a monopoly of power for a prolonged period can also work against the BDP because it is the only party that must account for opportunities missed and the many challenges of development presently bedevilling the country and Selebi-Phikwe in particular. Having a monopoly of power goes hand in hand with monopolising the blame when the ship sinks. It is fair to conclude that the buck stops with the ruling party. One can also not determine with any accuracy how problems emanating from inner party democracy both within Selebi-Phikwe and outside can affect the fortunes of the party.
Umbrella For Democratic Change
Judging by its performance in the last elections and the last Parliament, the UDC can finally brag of its credentials as a viable alternative. The party has branded itself as a home for parties and entities from all walks of life seeking a new political dispensation. It can also claim incumbency in Selebi-Phikwe because the two Selebi-Phikwe constituencies were fought and won under the UDC platform. Apart from a possible benefit from the comparative advantage of incumbency, the UDC is hoping to garner sympathy votes from elements that feel that it was betrayed by the pulling out of its partners. Many believe the UDC is much more hungrier for political change than any other party. It has to be noted that the UDC has its fair share of problems that are likely to dwarf its chances of electoral success. Separation with its political partners, the BPF and BCP, dented its image and did not at all inspire hope. Economically, it appears to be under-resourced. As the campaign drags on, it may find it difficult to keep and sustain political visibility in Selebi-Phikwe. Limited political materials on the streets and physical engagements evidence this. But it remains a strong contender, nevertheless.
Botswana Patriotic Front
The BPF is a new political formation, which came into existence five years ago. It entered the political scene with a bang, as it became the first political party to dislodge the BDP from Serowe whilst assisting the UDC to win the two Mahalapye constituencies and Tswapong South. The BPF is enjoying royal patronage as people who are sympathetic to the cause of the former president, Ian Khama, support it. However, the world of the BPF was rocked by internal bickering, resulting in the expulsion of its founding president, Biggie Butale. The latter would later establish his own Botswana Republic Party. In Selebi-Phikwe, the party seems to be enjoying support, particularly in areas like Botshabelo and Ikageleng. However, lack of resources seems to be impacting negatively on its campaign. Its political campaign materials are restricted to certain areas, and it is conspicuously absent in other areas. This is a symptom of a drought of resources. Nonetheless, the sudden and unexpected appearance of its patron on the campaign trail appears to have given the party a new lease on life. Despite its slow beginning, the BPF has regained momentum at a critical time. It is, therefore, poised to be an important factor in this election and stands a chance at reaping a good harvest.
Independent candidate
Odubile Johane is standing as an independent candidate. It is difficult to discuss the independent candidate in the context of institutional capacity because he is a loner, unattached to any political formation. He was born and raised in Botshabelo. He is a very unique 'Mokoko' because he is not a reject of any political formation or a casualty of the shenanigans of any party intra-democracy. His entry into the political fray caught many by surprise.
Individual strengths of candidates
In principle, political parties assume precedence over individual members. More often than not, people vote for the party and not necessarily the individual representing it.
Besides institutional support, the voters may also be persuaded by the quality of individual candidates. The character and demeanour of individual candidates could break or make a political party. This is why it is important at this juncture to shift attention to the faces of different political parties. Who are these people representing the parties, and what are they made of?
Selebi-Phikwe West Constituency
Reuben Kaizer
The BCP is pinning its hopes on Reuben Kaizer. He is a well-known entrepreneur-cum-politician. Kaizer is known for his sense of generosity and kindness. He is a friend of many schools in the constituency and has, on many occasions, extended his spirit of benevolence to many schools in the area. The general public has also benefited from his philanthropic work. Kaizer can be regarded as a man of the people. However, he is not a gifted orator but a man of action. His actions, coupled with the natural massive appeal that the BCP is commanding in the constituency, might do wonders for Kaizer and his party. He is a serious contender for the coveted crown. Dithapelo Keorapetse
Keorapetse needs no introduction. He is an accomplished scholar and politician who has already made a mark in Botswana's political landscape. He has served with distinction as Member of Parliament (MP) where he adequately and passionately represented the people who sent him to Parliament. He is an avid reader, writer, and researcher and his razor-sharp mind kept the BDP government on its toes. He has earned the respect of colleagues and foes alike. His leadership qualities did not go unnoticed as shown by his elevation to the position of Leader of Opposition in the last Parliament. Keorapetse has every justification to seek re-election as he has participated in blocking some of the 'draconian' laws that the BDP intended to pass and has done well in advancing the anti-corruption crusade. He is also a generous giver as evidenced by the donations he continues to make to schools to support prize-giving ceremonies. He stands a good chance of retaining the constituency. His chances are boosted by association with the UDC, a party many perceive as a government in waiting. Above all as an MP, he has acquitted himself well and the constituency may not have any justification to fire him from a job he has mastered and executed so well.
Beauty Manake
The BDP is placing its bet on the youthful exuberance and strategic prowess of the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry. Manake's prospects of electoral victory are not only boosted by the Cabinet position she is holding but also by her continuing numerous political and social engagements with the people on the ground. She is a workaholic who has managed to successfully juggle her Cabinet responsibilities with constituency engagements. She knows no rest as she continues to create time to officiate in several development projects and social engagements in the town. Manake is a woman with a mission and to her, failure is not an option. Manake has literally camped in Selebi-Phikwe and this has given her an edge over her competitors. She has a good heart and has contributed generously to assist churches, societies, schools, and other members of the public. Manake is endowed with entrepreneurial skills in stupendous proportions and she is so keen to exploit her wealth of knowledge and experience to build capacity and entrench a business mind in Selebi-Phikwe. She stands a chance to win it for her party. Her comparative advantage is that she is representing a giant movement in the BDP.