As the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) prepares for Selibe-Phikwe West primary elections scheduled for this Saturday, divisions continue to show. Selibe –Phikwe West constituency is marred in controversy as the two aspiring candidates are accusing each other of trying to rig elections.
The two candidates who will battle it out over the weekend are Brothers Malema and Reuben Kaizer. Kaizer’s campaign team is complaining that their members were struck out of the voters roll during the audit by some party structures in favour of Malema.
“They believe that Malema is being favoured by some party elders in the area, while some believe that Malema is known in the area, unlike Kaizer. They want someone who is very strong and could give the current Member of Parliament (MP) Dithapelo Keorapetse a challenge in the upcoming election,” a source revealed.
Keorapetse remained with UDC when his former party pulled out. In an interview with BCP Secretary General Goretetse Kekgonegile said: “the voter's rolls were inspected by committees such as constituency, ward and cell. We have not received any complaints as yet, but we are aware of certain issues from some constituencies and they were addressed.
Some are still being addressed. If elders in Selibe Phikwe decided to support a person, then there is nothing that we as party leaders could do.” He said the final voters will be returned to the areas on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kekgonegile said the current MP for Selibe Phikwe East, Kgoberego Nkawana will battle it out with Dimpho Mashaba. Other constituencies which will hold primaries over the weekend include Okavango East, Okavango West, Ngamiland, Kgatleng Central, Gamalete and Nkange.
