BCP holds Moselewapula primaries this weekend
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday April 10, 2018 16:14
Four people will contest the party primaries. The winner of the primaries will secure the party ticket for the impending by-election in the ward.
The BCP, which enjoys the backing of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), will contest the by-election against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Other UDC members include Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) and Botswana National Front (BNF).
The by-election is meant to replace the fallen former area councillor Lechedzani Modenga who died more than a month ago.
“We are holding the primaries on the 14th April to afford the party enough time to prepare for the by-election. Early preparations will improve our chances of winning the by-election,” said BCP Francistown region secretary Dingalo Ditsheko.
Reuben Kethoilwe who lost the 2014 general elections to Modenga will headline the primary election candidates. Chimbise Chimbise, Gilbert Makombo and Maxwell Motsu are some of those who have been nominated for the primaries.
Kethoilwe has contested the general elections several times and lost. At one point Kethoilwe also had a stint at the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) before he retraced to his political home. On the other hand Makombo lost to Kethoilwe at the BCP primaries ahead of the 2014 general elections.
Chimbise was the campaign manager for former Francistown West legislator Dr Habaudi Hobona at the 2014 polls. Hobona lost the elections.
Businessman Motsu represented the BCP at the 2014 general elections and lost to the ruling party’s Badubi Lekang at Government camp ward.
Meanwhile, the BDP has indicated that it is yet to start preparations for its primaries. About 10 people are interested in contesting the party primaries.
“ Key party officials have been busy with other pressing (party) activities and they have not met to deliberate on the by-election.
“I intend to engage the secretary general sometimes this week to discuss issues surrounding the by-election particularly the suitable date for the primaries,” BDP Francistown region chairperson Baemedi Medupi said.