The BDP has already beaten the opposition in two by-elections this year and looks set to carry the day in Sefhophe. But the situation could have been completely different if a united opposition contests in Sefhophe. In the general election, the BDP won the seat with a slim margin of 14 votes ahead of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). This means the opposition parties have a good chance to get the seat from the BDP if they are united. Last weekend, both BDP and BCP had some of their heavyweights in the area canvassing for votes but the Botswana National Front (BNF) fielded local lightweights.
The BCP had the likes of Gaborone Central MP Dumelang Saleshando, the BDP had legislator Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, Wynter Mmolotsi, cabinet ministers Ponatshego Kedikilwe and Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. The BDP did not conduct by-elections because the party faithful had settled on Thatayaone Tsotso Segona. There was a similar unanimity in BCP and BNF. The BCP settled on its candidate for the general elections Mokwaledi Bagwasi to contest again while the BNF agreed on McSiva Galeeme through mutual agreement.
