On the other hand, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) garnered 291 votes, whilst Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) received 225. Meanwhile, 11 ballot papers were spoiled, with a total of 2,032 votes cast in Saturday’s by-election. Following the results, BCP candidate Mokwaledi Bagwasi becomes the new councillor for the ward, replacing the late UDC councillor Christopher Motsholapheko, whose death necessitated the by-election. In a press release, BCP spokesperson Olebile Machete congratulated Bagwasi on his victory, describing the outcome as an important achievement for the party. The UDC’s defeat comes amid public concerns over service delivery, particularly reported shortages of medicines in hospitals.
Such shortages, many within the party and the public on social media believe, have contributed to voter frustration, as some citizens believe the government continues to make promises without delivering tangible improvements in their lives. Before election day, some Batswana openly pleaded with Sefhophe residents not to vote for the UDC. Meanwhile, Machete accused the UDC of voter intimidation and vote-buying during the campaign, warning that such practices could threaten the country’s democratic processes if left unchecked. “The UDC openly intimidated voters and churned cash for votes with impunity,” Machete said in the statement.
