As unity eludes BDP, office bearers secretly veto opponents
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday March 28, 2017 18:00
Khama said that it appears those at fault do it with vested interests with firm focus on the primary elections (Bulelwa Ditswe). Addressing delegates at the party’s 55th National Council meeting at Travel Lodge in Gaborone on Friday, he stated that it now seems to be more of a rule than exception that many democrats wishing to renew membership are denied the right by registrars.
“I want to highlight the problem of concealing registration books by office bearers who by virtue of their positions should be registering all and sundry.”
“Disturbingly, the exercise appears to be in the capture of vested interests with designs and firm focus on Bulela Ditswe,” he said.
Khama said that the conduct is unacceptable and requires effective solution immediately. He said that members join the party voluntarily because they believe they can make a meaningful contribution to both the organisation and the country. As such, he added, it is imperative for all members to adhere to agreed rules and regulations and not comply with rules in a selective manner to suit their vested interests.
“One must ponder the question; what is the point of capturing books to register only your supporters when during the general election you need the vote of every democrat?
Conversely, how do candidates think they can go on to attract the support of those they excluded from voting in Bulela Ditswe?” he demanded.
He noted that the consequence of this conduct is that those disenfranchised will either stay home or donate their votes to the opposition. Khama said that the rules are clear in terms of how registration should be conducted and who the registrars are.