Omphemetse Kwapa (Jwaneng-Mabutsane) In the Jwaneng constituency, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Botswana National Front (BNF) typically dominate due to their strong local support bases. The current Member of Parliament Mephato Reatile is the leader of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) despite having been elected on the BDP ticket in the 2019 General Election. The vote count for the BDP and the BNF are significantly higher compared to other parties, with the two parties often alternating victories. Every five years, election outcomes bring surprises. With Kwapa running as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, a surprise victory might occur, as he is well-known in the area. He served as a legal attorney for the Jwaneng Town Council for three years and was born in Mabutsane village. His background makes it easier for him to address the community’s concerns. He will be launched on September 29, 2024.
Moneedi Bagaisamang (Shoshong)The BNF has built a solid base in the constituency over the years. Historically, the area was a stronghold of the BDP. However, internal conflicts between former President Ian Khama and current President Mokgweetsi Masisi have weakened the BDP’s hold in the area. The constituency is part of the Bangwato territory, with Khama as their traditional leader. Bagaisamang, the current councillor for Shoshong South, is known for his hard work and has developed his own following. But it remains uncertain whether he can secure a victory, especially under the UDC. If the BPF fields a candidate, there is a potential for a split in opposition votes, which could inadvertently benefit the BDP. The candidate will be launched on September 29, 2024.
Moses Loeto (Moshupa-Manyana)The constituency is a hard nut to crack for the opposition, particularly the UDC. Historically, it has never been won by opposition parties, making it a stronghold for the BDP. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that it is the home constituency for the BDP and State President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. The area benefits from significant developments that many other regions are still seeking, further solidifying its support for the ruling party. Historical voting statistics also show a consistent trend of the BDP dominance. Nonetheless, despite these challenges, one cannot entirely rule out the potential impact of a candidate like Loeto. However, a victory would indeed be a tough battle and might require extraordinary circumstances. He will be launched on October 5, 2024.
Maipelo Mophuting
(Gaborone Bonnington North) This constituency has seen shifts in power between the BDP and the BNF over the years. Although the BDP won in the 2019 General Election, the BNF is traditionally strong in this area. The UDC president, Duma Boko, once became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area.
Internal conflicts within the BNF or significant political changes, such as the support for President Masisi in 2019, have influenced election outcomes. Now, with a new contender such as Mophuting, a woman supported by the BNF veterans, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape evolves. Mophuting is a hard worker and also an academic, which makes it easier to penetrate the ground. Gaborone Bonnington North has upper-class, middle and poor people. It has more educated people. She will also be launched in October.
