BCP youth contest ends in controversy
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday June 26, 2025 10:00
Controversy erupted between the two leading contenders, June June and Brian Samoka, who both claim victory under conflicting circumstances.
The confusion stems from the results of the first count, where both candidates reportedly secured 195 votes each, whilst the third contestant, Bonnie Tlhagwane, received 91 votes, and six votes were spoilt.
However, speaking to The Monitor yesterday (Monday) morning, June insisted that a recount be conducted, altering the outcome. “There was a second count,” he claimed.
“I got 192 votes, Samoka had 189, and Tlhagwane still had 91. Four of Samoka’s votes were objected to, and three of mine. The spoilt votes increased to eight. The matter was then deferred to the Central Committee.”
In stark contrast, Samoka dismissed June’s version of events, labelling it false propaganda.
“That’s not true. We had a tie. The matter is now before the Central Committee, and I trust they will resolve it,” he said.
“For further clarity, I believe the election officer, Alfred Madigele, is best placed to explain the situation.”
When contacted, Madigele confirmed that all election-related matters have been formally handed over to the party’s spokesperson, Mpho Pheko. However, repeated efforts to obtain a comment from Pheko were unsuccessful. Although she received The Monitor's WhatsApp message, she did not respond or answer calls.
Meanwhile, the party’s leadership is struggling to maintain unity. The BCP vice president Taolo Lucas, who delivered the keynote address during the elective congress held Saturday in Serowe, had earlier urged candidates to respect the outcomes and preserve party cohesion.
“This is an internal democratic process and should not divide us,” Lucas said. “We must leave this congress united and ready to serve the party.”
First Count (Tie) • Brian Samoka (Amalgamated) – 195 • June June (Lime Revolution) – 195 • Bonnie Tlhagwane (The Guardians) – 91 • Spoilt – 6
Second Count (Contested): • Brian – 189 (four votes objected) • June – 192 (three votes objected) • Bonnie – 91 • Spoilt – 8 Status: Deferred to BCP Central Committee (CC)
2. Vice President • Sam Moagi Sam – 187 (Amalgamated – Winner) • Stephen Molatlhegi – 159 (Lime Revolution) • Emmanuel Babati – 82 (Independent) • Letsweletse – 52 (Independent) • Spoilt – 19 Total Votes Cast: 498
3. Chairperson • Thabo Malesela – 185 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Ismael Tsiapana – 180 (Amalgamated) • Thato Madouble Mokgotlhe – 110 (Independent) • Spoilt 14 Total Votes Cast: 475
4. Secretary-General • Akim Keokgale – 208 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Otlametse Letsholo – 162 (Amalgamated) • Tirelo Masitara Mogotsi – 108 (The Guardians) • Spoilt – 21 Total Votes Cast: 499
5. Deputy Secretary-General • Kempho Asante Monyatsi – 179 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Koketso Olebile Tau – 148 (Amalgamated) • Nsununguli Gunda – 99 (Independent) • Gomolemo Gaolefufa – 50 (Independent) • Spoilt – 18 Total Votes Cast: 494
6. Treasure-General • Seete Mpho Pono – 181 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Mooketsi Omphile John – 173 (Amalgamated) • Segolame Seshoka – 118 (The Guardians) • Spoilt – 24 Total Votes Cast: 496
7. National Organising Secretary • Amogelang Blackie – 202 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Itshepiseng Phatsimo – 164 (Amalgamated) • Gaatwesepe Onty – 107 (The Guardians) • Spoilt – 13 Total Votes Cast: 486
8. Publicity Secretary • Onkarabile Tsoo Mazwigila – 182 (Lime Revolution – Winner) • Revetjitavi Marenga – 132 (Amalgamated) • Sechele Nevile Tumisang – 131 (The Guardians) • Marokwa Boiteko – 30 (Independent) • Spoilt – 16 Total Votes Cast: 490
9. Seccretary for women Affairs • Agnes Kealeboga – 223 (Amalgamated – Winner) • Amogelang Kino Tshoganetso – 154 (Lime Revolution) • Garataone Gakedirelwe – 96 (The Guardians) • Spoilt – 15 Total Votes Cast: 488