Kaartze, who lost the 2024 General Election contest to the Umbrella for Democratic Change's (UDC) Dr. Micus Chimbombi, this time sailed through unopposed to return to the race for Parliament. The vacancy for the Kgalagadi South parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of Chimbombi recently due to health issues. Initially, she faced competition from fellow BDP aspirants Sam Brooks and Hendry Louw. However, both withdrew to clear the way for her candidacy. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, BDP executive-secretary, Ame Makoba, confirmed the development, noting that Kaartze might end up being the only returning face from the 2024 race, that is, if the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) decides not to contest. “If BPF does not field a candidate, then Kaartze will likely be the only one from the 2024 ballot to return. Again, that will give us an upper hand as she is already known in the area,” Makoba stated.
Makoba said currently the BDP is standing a good chance because of a compromise candidate, since primary elections at times divide the members in the area. He, however, said the numbers that BDP got in the 2024 General Elections are not bad and give them hope that they can win the area if united, as it looks. In the 2024 general elections, UDC got 8700 votes, BDP 6070, and BPF 1074.
