BDP handpicks Sekoma candidate
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday February 4, 2016 16:06
On Tuesday, the party’s secretary general, Botsalo Ntuane told the media that democrats in the area felt there was no need to hold primary elections and had instead resolved to handpick Lebotso. “The members reached a consensus after their consultation,” he said.
“It was not a branch or cell committee decision. They informed the party central committee on Monday about their decision.
“Primary elections are not going to be held.” BDP members also agreed that former Jwaneng legislator and Southern District council chair, Mephato Reatile will be Lebotso’s campaign manager.
Ntuane said BDP members in Sekoma village wanted Reatile to lead the campaign because he is from that area.
“At times the campaigns are best led by people from the area because they understand the dynamics of the area very well,” he said. Meanwhile, BDP youth wing chair, Andy Boatile told journalists that a youth conference was scheduled for February 12 in Mosu. “The purpose of the youth conference is to empower youth members in the party especially those who are holding youth positions. Each constituency will bring three delegates and that includes chairperson, secretary and treasurer.
“President Ian Khama will open the conference and four ministers have confirmed that they will come,” Boatile said.
The Botswana National Front (BNF) secretary general, Tapiso Kgosikoma yesterday told Mmegi that they would hold primary elections over the weekend. BNF is an affiliate of the UDC. “Our campaigns have started but they will intensify even more after the primary elections. Our primary elections are going to be peaceful because our aim is to retain the ward,” Kgosikoma said.
Botswana Congress Party Youth League president, Tumiso Rakgare said his party would support the UDC bid to retain the ward. “Our youth league will do anything with the little resources it has to go and assist UDC in Sekoma,” Rakgare said.
He said BCP members in Sekoma had suggested that the party should not contest, but rather help the UDC.