The defectors are joining BDP's splinter party, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD). The area MP, who was previously BDP, was recently expelled from the ruling party for reportedly attending a meeting that was not blessed by the party leadership.
In what is believed to be the genesis of a mass exodus to the BMD, Tsamaya ward civic leader, Reginald Mudongo resigned from the BDP on Monday to join the BMD. To those in the know, the worst is yet to befall the BDP in Tati East as the majority of councillors are tipped to join the BMD shortly. They have in fact made a vow "to show President Ian Khama what we are made of." The same Mudongo was on July 10 paraded at a poorly attended rally addressed by President Ian Khama in Tsamaya disparaging reports that he was on the verge of leaving the BDP. Mmegi quotes his then statement in Tsamaya made before Khama: "I campaigned as BDP and was elected on a BDP ticket by BDP members. Because of the respect of the voter I am not leaving the BDP."
