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Disappointment as Bulela Ditswe appeals lead to unexpected outcomes

Slumber Tsogwane. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Slumber Tsogwane. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Several members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) were left disappointed and stunned after not being selected as candidates, despite their high expectations.

Out of 61 constituencies, only seven were informed that their appeals were still under review by the party's Central Committee (CC). According to party chairperson, Slumber Tsogwane, the remaining appeals will be addressed soon. However, some members were further shocked to discover that their appeals had been dismissed, learning of this only when other candidates were called forward to be launched. This situation has led to dissatisfaction amongst some members, who felt the appeal process lacked professionalism. Tsogwane stated that some appeals might lead to reruns whilst others may not. Nevertheless, the party is committed to ensuring that any reruns are conducted fairly, he added. Furthermore, additional information will be communicated to regional committees on Wednesday or Thursday.

Reports indicate that the CC intends for some reruns to occur within two weeks. “We had areas that party primary elections weren't appealing. Some members had accepted the results, which is commendable, whilst some used their democratic right to appeal. Some members were unopposed in primary elections. “The party CC had also made final decisions after hearing some appeals. Communication will be delivered to different affected areas. We had many council seats, over 141, that we also had to make deliberations on,” he said.

Tsogwane revealed that the constituencies for Parliamentary seats that they are still deciding on include Lentsweletau-Lephephe, Goodhope-Mmathethe, Gaborone Bonnington South, Tati West, Kanye East and Serowe South. Meanwhile, appeals for constituencies like Francistown South, Gabane-Mmankgodi, Nkange Tswapong South, Gamalete, Molepolole North, Francistown West, Mahalapye East, Lobatse, Kgatleng East, Mmadinare, Selebi-Phikwe West, Tonota, Nata-Gweta, Letlhakeng, Selebi-Phikwe East, Kgatleng West, Kgalagadi South, and Takatokwane have been dismissed. Some constituencies that were unopposed include Boteti West, Palapye, Serowe West, Serowe East, Palapye and Kanye West.

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