Despite the visible low turnout of spectators at their final star rally in Serowe yesterday, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is confident of a win today. Serowe West constituents will this morning vote for its Member of Parliament (MP) following the disqualification of the area's now former MP, Tshekedi 'TK' Khama. Khama, who is in self-exile in SA, was disqualified following his absenteeism in parliamentary sessions.
TK, as he is affectionately known, has been in South Africa since last year after he and his wife, Thea Khama and his twin brother, Anthony Khama were all dramatically arrested and detained by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
Khama cried foul that his arrest and detention were illegal as he had immunity as he was on his way to Parliament.
However, according to the BDP, this is no excuse for inconsistency. Speeches from yesterday's rally centred around the constituency being an ‘orphan’ with speakers encouraging locals to vote for their candidate, Moemedi Dijeng.
The rally was attended by BDP chairman, Slumber Tsogwane, the red machine’s secretary-general, Kavis Kario, Specially Elected MP Kgotla Autlwetse, and perhaps a surprise last-minute entry, Mpho Balopi, amongst others.
“Dijeng wants to better the lives of you guys not to better his life. He is your future and I urge you to vote for him. It is only through him that you too can benefit from the BDP programmes. Unlike other parties who are confused, one minute they are suspending the party president, one minute they are in court. I urge you to vote for a party with stability, vote for Dijeng,” Tsogwane urged the few that had gathered.
Others also spoke fondly of the party's prior achievements. They campaigned to make known the milestones the party has been able to achieve since 2019.
Most notably, the new Botswana De Beers deal which increased the allocation of Debswana’s output from 25% to 30%, growing to a maximum of 50% in the next decade. To the BDP, as evident through the speakers, this is a time for the party to boast of this achievement and use it as a campaign tool.
Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko 'Fox' Moagi took to the stand to say: ”Through this deal, Batswana will get much more. There will be more improvement in infrastructure development which will be rolled out throughout Botswana. A lot of jobs will be created. Batswana will be prioritised. We have set ourselves a target that in this 10-year sales agreement, we want to have created 50,000 jobs.”
Moagi said through the BDP Batswana will have more money in their pockets, “Vote us in because we will do so much more".
For his part, Dijeng also encouraged voters to elect him as he is better placed to advance their interests in government being that he is with the ruling party.
Voting starts today
