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
Gov't, unions must find common ground

The situation is exacerbated by the ruling party’s admission that some of its most important election promises remain unfulfilled. This is not the change many Batswana had expected. The UDC was elected into power on a strong promise to improve lives, create jobs, protect workers and repair public services. It is therefore, not enough for the party to point only to new ministries, policies and long-term plans. These may be necessary, but...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up