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Primary election victory turns into a disciplinary battle for Monare

Bontsi Monare
Bontsi Monare

The victory by Bontsi Monare in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary election for the Gaborone Central constituency has not yet secured his position.

Despite him winning, Monare now faces accusations of misconduct during the primaries. The Gaborone Regional Committee has brought the allegations before the party's central committee (CC), leading to a disciplinary hearing. However, some of his supporters believe this move is intended to pave the way for the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Tumisang Healy, to be considered as an alternative candidate for the party. Monare won the BDP parliamentary election against Healy with 1,013 votes to Healy’s 653. According to a letter dated August 8, 2024, by Regional Committee to the party disciplinary hearing committee against Monare reads “the Gaborone Regional Committee (GRC) lodged a complaint with this against you”.

It added: “The GRC reported that during the BDP parliamentary Bulela-Ditswe (primary elections) that took place on July 20, 2024, at Maruapula community hall, you were seen walking along the voter’s queue campaigning and giving them money. To substantiate this allegation, the GRC submitted four letters, one from the current MP Healy, the second one from Sobhan, the third from Reuben Tlhaselo and the fourth was your rebuttal allegations raised against you. A video clip that Sobhan claims to have taken serve as evidence was also provided as supporting evidence.” The second complaint is based on the allegation that his supporters were observed in a video clip celebrating his victory.

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