In recent BDP primary elections, held over two weekends, three female Cabinet ministers, Peggy Serame, Talita Monnakgotla and Welheminah Makwinja, failed to secure nominations for the upcoming general election. Despite President Mokgweetsi Masisi's appeal for increased female representation, only five women candidates advanced to the general elections. Three women who made it through party primary elections known as Bulela Ditswe include former minister Dorcas Makgato and two Cabinet ministers being Annah Mokgethi and Beauty Manake. The other two new entrants into the parliamentary contest are Lilian Moremi (Mogoditshane East) and Diana Kartze (Kgalagadi South) "This situation is concerning.
However, it is a part of democracy. Nevertheless, the number of votes women candidates received shows they have strong support. "We are proud of all the women who participated in the party's internal democracy. Ultimately, the BDP has emerged victorious," Lesole stated in an interview on Sunday. Moreover, she encouraged the women who lost in the primary elections not to give up, as they might have another chance in the 2029 elections. Additionally, she emphasised the need for the Women's Wing to develop programmes that motivate and empower women to run for both Parliament and Council seats. Lesole pointed out that some women are still hesitant to run for elections, believing it to be a domain dominated by men.
Moreover, she noted that many women cite a lack of finances as a significant barrier. Furthermore, even those who have the financial means often lack the confidence to pursue such roles. Consequently, she suggested that workshops could play a crucial role in motivating and empowering these women to pursue their ambitions with greater zeal. In addition, the women's wing vice chairperson emphasised the importance of having a strategic plan to increase women's representation.
She mentioned that while there are capable women within the party who could contest, they often lose in the primary elections. For instance, in the Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe area, three women contested for a parliamentary seat amongst nine candidates. Unfortunately, their numbers were not as strong as their male counterparts.
