These problems have led to some members leaving the party, whilst others have withdrawn from active politics. Some members are openly questioning the legitimacy of the election process. The main concern amongst dissatisfied party members is how the election process was managed, particularly the lack of transparency from the party’s Central Committee (CC) regarding the reasons behind vetting decisions and the outcomes of appeals. All BDP primary election results appeals were rejected, except for one parliamentary appeal.
Over the weekend, members such as Dithapelo Tshotego and Kemmonye Sekati resigned from the party, whilst Kesego Okie, who had shown interest in representing the Gaborone South constituency, announced her decision to leave the party. Okie expressed her discontent with how her candidacy for the primaries was handled, as well as, the selection of the current candidate for Gaborone South, Alfred Moatlhaping. Moatlhaping was appointed after multiple members, including Okie, had expressed interest in contesting following the recent death of former Member of Parliament, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu. For the first time, the BDP held its primaries late in an election year, which limited the time available for the party to follow its standard procedures, such as offering post-election counselling to those who had lost. With time running short, it became apparent that the party wasn't prepared to allow for re-runs of certain elections.
Even in the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency, where a parliamentary re-run had been initially planned, the party ultimately opted to instead hand pick a candidate. In a letter written by party secretary-general Kavis Kario, it was stated that the electoral board had informed the CC that there was insufficient time to conduct re-runs. The letter reasoned that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) required all candidate names to be submitted by October 4, 2024, with candidates present to sign. BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse, has dismissed concerns about members leaving the party, stating that it’s a normal part of politics. “This is the nature of politics. Some leave to join other parties, just as we recruit members from opposition parties. It’s clear that some people don't understand the BDP constitution,” Kentse said in an interview on Monday.
“It is stated plainly that the central committee is not obligated to provide reasons for rejecting or accepting appeals. Disciplined party members respect the decisions of the party, as Congress has empowered the committee to make those decisions. If someone didn’t join the party solely for positions, they would understand this.” He acknowledged that some members left, citing dissatisfaction with party leadership. However, he emphasised that loyal party members would remain, seeking to understand why certain decisions were made. Kentse further added that, if necessary, the party will visit areas where disputes have arisen to engage with members. He cited the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency as an example.
