BDP races against time to pick Kgalagadi South candidate
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday September 10, 2025 14:12
The deadline is set for the end of this week, marking a critical step in the party’s internal selection process.
Following the closure of the EOI period, the BDP will determine whether it will proceed with primary elections to select its official candidate for the vacant parliamentary seat.
This decision will depend on the number of qualified aspirants who come forward during this expression of interest phase.
The seat became vacant following the untimely passing of the area’s Member of Parliament, Dr Micus Chimbombi, who also served as Minister of Agriculture.
His death, due to health complications, occurred just months after he was elected to represent the constituency.
Chimbombi’s short-lived tenure has now created a significant leadership gap in the region, prompting a swift move towards organising a by-election.
Speaking to the media over the weekend, BDP secretary-general Kentse Rammidi confirmed the timeline, noting that the deadline for showing interest is fast-approaching.
“Yes, the closing date for those wishing to contest in our party primaries in Kgalagadi South is next week,” he said in a Saturday interview.
“Once the deadline has passed, we will know whether we will be heading into a primary election or endorsing a sole candidate.”
Rammidi further emphasised that the BDP constitution clearly outlines the procedures for internal candidate selection, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“The party’s processes are guided by the constitution. Those who wish to stand must follow the required steps,” he explained.
In the meantime, the former ruling party is holding off on launching its full campaign machinery.
Rammidi made it clear that the BDP will only start campaigning in earnest once a candidate has officially been chosen.
“As soon as we have a confirmed candidate, we will begin a strong and focused campaign,” he stated confidently.
However, it is not only the BDP that is going through this process. Other parties like the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) are yet to make similar decisions regarding the matter.