Reverting to the almighty 18: BDP’s dilemma
Friday, September 01, 2023 | 990 Views |
![BDP’s current selection process of Bulela Ditswe is characterised by detailed, explicit and standardised rules
PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE](https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://www.mmegi.bw/mmegi/uploads/images/2023/09/01/84937.jpg&w=800&q=72&f=jpg&t=1)
BDP’s current selection process of Bulela Ditswe is characterised by detailed, explicit and standardised rules
PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Before the inception of Bulela Ditswe in 2003, the BDP had an all-powerful Committee of 18 that decided the fate of anyone seeking political office on the party ticket. The Committee of 18 was the king-maker and enjoyed limitless powers. Its word was final. The committee screened prospective candidates and eventually handpicked a name which, in its perception would serve best the interests of the party.
The Committee of 18’s choosing process consisted of the meeting of the voters where they vote for a candidate they felt was good enough to represent the party at the general election. The committee basically ignored the will of individual members in their selection of candidates. The Almighty and party bosses as a result were sometimes accused of trading votes for power, benefaction, or even money.
The BDP as a party known to have ample resources has always held its primaries well in time, but this time around that was not the case. The first leg of the primaries was held last weekend, with the final leg being billed for the coming weekend. This time around, the BDP failed to shine in its primary elections. The elections were chaotic; most if not all polling stations didn't open at the specified time of 6am. Loyal BDP members braved the...