mmegi

Abandoning BNF primaries may fuel divisions—UB analyst

The BNF has revealed that it will not hold primary elections PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
The BNF has revealed that it will not hold primary elections PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

FRANCISTOWN: A University of Botswana (UB) political analyst is of the view that the decision of the Botswana National Front (BNF) to abandon its traditional primary elections in favour of a consensus candidate selection process may be a recipe for disaster.

While many political formations across the world use primary elections to select candidates for legislative and council vacancies, one of the country’s major political parties, the BNF, has revealed that it will not hold primary elections to select candidates for council and Parliament seats.

During its recent annual conference in Shoshong, the BNF which is also a major component of the country’s main opposition bloc, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), announced that a resolution was taken to do away with primary elections in favour of the choosing of consensus candidates.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up