The BPF held primary elections in a number of places in the Central District a fortnight ago including the hotly contested three Serowe constituencies. Only one parliamentary candidate was declared a winner: Baratiwa Mathoothe of Serowe North owing to failure to conclude elections in the Serowe South and Serowe West constituencies due to allegations of gross electoral misconduct. Non sanctioned ballot papers were discovered, some reportedly thrown in the nearby bushes. As if that was not enough, in some areas some candidates allegedly swapped voters rolls. According to Reatile, a team has been dispatched to investigate the whole circus with serious repercussions awaiting those who were involved in the matter. "This has greatly affected our planning towards the elections. It is a very serious matter that ought to be investigated properly and a report be brought so that we can map a way forward," Reatile said.
He further said the actions by those involved are very serious and that the punishment should equal the culprits' doings. He said as people who want to represent others, it is unacceptable that they do what they did as it would mean they are not fit for public office. Despite barring them from standing for elections, Reatile said since the crimes are severe, criminal cases could be opened against perpetrators. Despite Mathoothe being declared a winner for Serowe North, in Motetshwane Ward within the constituency, while there were 601 voters on the roll, the total number for council votes was more than 800. The votes for the parliamentary candidate were, however, not tampered with. Final results for the Serowe North parliamentary candidate were released on Sunday morning while those for Serowe West and Serowe South were delayed.
