Rammidi resignation fuels divisions

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Friday May 20, 2011 00:00

 

The source of conflict is reportedly Khama's compromise initiative as an option to contesting for party positions in the upcoming congress slated for July. Sources close to the party say the BDP is divided into two groups with some favouring a contest and supporting the Rammidi candidacy.

Rammidi's camp is said to be working on a list that will contest the party posts at the congress. On the other hand, a section of the party faithful is said to be supportive of Khama's compromise initiative, which will ensure that incumbent secretary general, Thato Kwerepe, retains his seat.

Rammidi has indicated that he relinquished his cabinet post to concentrate on his race for the post of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general. The legislator also said that the junior minister post was not giving him much time with his constituents who have various concerns. 'People were saying that 're mo utlwalela ko Gaborone, kwano ga re mmone',' he said.

In the campaign for the Tonota North bye-election, Rammidi who was the BDP campaign manager told people that he wanted to dedicate his time to building the party and ensuring that it remains strong as a political organisation.

Rammidi's public announcement that he will stand for the post does not only pit him against the incumbent secretary general, Kwerepe, but also against the wish of president Ian Khama who has called for party members to compromise instead of going for elections.  Those interested in standing for party positions have been asked to have their names in the compromise list held by BDP chairman, Daniel Kwelagobe.

Fireworks are expected as the July date approaches and the campaign heats up, such that pundits are fearful that this could be a repeat of the Kanye Congress where the Barata-Phathi faction went against the might of Khama who wanted his preferred candidate Tebelelo Seretse as chairman. On the other hand, the Barata-Phathi list had Kwelagobe as chairman.   Though it was a landslide victory for the Barata-Phathi faction, they subsequently resigned because they felt snubbed in the central committee.   Most of the members have since left with their followers to form the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD).