However, some candidates are already alleging an unfair race, as their supporters are missing from the party's voters' rolls. It is claimed that the voters' rolls appear to favour those preferred by the party leadership. According to a concerned insider, some already believe that the elections will not be free and fair. "How can someone expect elections to be fair when most people are already removed from the voters' rolls? Some appear in areas where they do not belong or reside. This is sad for our party. It is clear that the voters' roll has been tampered with. The branch committees have done their job properly, but the mess is at the party's headquarters at Tsholetsa House," the source said. Coupled with that, there is already fear that if this problem is not immediately addressed, many members will be left disgruntled.
The source added that there is a possibility that some may leave the party or become independent candidates if grievances are not handled fairly. Therefore, many believe that issues surrounding primary elections should not be interfered with to avoid complaints and unnecessary appeals. BDP secretary-general, Kavis Kario said the verification process is ongoing to rectify all mistakes that could have happened. "The reason why there is that process is to ensure that omitted names are included. Of course mix up of names may be there but branch committees are there to advise. "Final voters rolls will be there and is being printed out after rectifying mistakes that have been identified," he said. Kario admitted that the party data base had problems and that some information could have been lost but all has been corrected. He, however, said members should not rush to inform the media while problems or challenges are being handled by the party. He said they would ensure that there is free and fair election.
According to BDP constitution, it is the duty and responsibilities of the party’s electoral board to supervise the registration of voters, maintenance of rolls, membership cards and ensure fair and proper distribution of the same relevant party structures and members. Again, the board is responsible for directing and supervising the administrative conduct of elections and ensuring fairness, impartiality and compliance with the provisions of the party regulations and the electoral board. Moreover, the electoral board is supposed to ensure the proper compilation, production, verification, distribution and safe keeping voter rolls. Again, the party constitution compels it to work hand in hand with Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC) for purposes of appointing election officers and conducting elections.
