Seven BDP members have since declared interest in contesting the party’s chairmanship position. The candidates are Tshekedi Khama, Ndelu Seretse, Biggie Butale, Moemedi Dijeng, Tebelelo Seretse, Seteng Motalaote and Dithapelo Tshotlego. But, though not yet confirmed, Khama who was earlier viewed favourably by the BDP members is said to have withdrawn from the race and is backing his cousin Ndelu Seretse. It also remains to be seen whether vice president Mokgweetsi Masisi would enter the race. Some BDP members are said to be lobbying him to stand for elections.
After the women’s wing congress no lobby list or candidate can confidently claim the frontrunner status ahead of the July congress. In fact sources say supporters of most of the candidates vying for the party chairmanship position voted for Dorcus Makgato. While Masisi’s entry may call for the realignment of the lobby groups, this would not automatically catapult him into a front-runner, sources within the BDP have said. Be that as it may Ndelu Seretse, Tebelelo Seretse, Biggie Butale and even Masisi stand a better chance than the rest of the pack. Moemedi Dijeng, Seteng Motalaote and Dithapelo Tshotlego are considered dark hoses in the race.
