BDP 2019 campaign divided over Khama, Masisi

Staff Writer | Thursday February 1, 2018 17:00

 

It is alleged that some members of the party central committee endorsed Ian Khama’s name as the face of the party ahead of 2019 general elections while others felt that Mokgweetsi Masisi should be the one selling the party.

However, Mmegi has learnt that there was no consensus on the matter and it was deferred for voting at the BDP national council, which would be held in March.

“The pro-Masisi members feel the decision to have Khama as the face of the party could be seen as a no confidence motion on the new party president, especially when other parties’ face would be their own presidents. The members felt that Masisi will deploy or ask for Khama’s assistance when the need arises, especially on constituencies where the party feels it is difficult to convince people,” a source said.

The BDP head of communications, Lesedi Dintwe said: “The issue is not a discussion to the secretariat or the party.  You could also seek clarity on the matter from the party secretary general, Mpho Balopi.  Our constitution is very clear that the President of the party shall be the principal spokesperson of the party on national and international affairs”.

BDP deputy secretary general, Shaw Kgathi said the issue was not on the agenda.

“There is no truth on the matter.  Our central committee meeting discusses only issues that are on the agenda. You can even check our agenda if the issue was there,” he said.

UB political analyst Onalenna Selolwane said Khama’s term is ending next month and it would not be wise for the BDP to be using the former president as its face for the 2019 general elections.

“This is the time for Masisi to lead the campaign and answer to Batswana’s questions.  Masisi has to justify why he needs to be voted (for), unless if the BDP wants Masisi to fail, they could insist on Khama being their face for the 2019 elections.  That would be fundamentally wrong again. Masisi is the one who will account if they do good or badly,” Selolwane said.