The first to take the fall was Minister of Justice Machana Shamukuni. Shamukuni faced fierce competition from Luckson Likototo, a man he defeated in the last primary elections back in 2018, for the Chobe constituency. In Chobe, Shamukuni only managed to garner 1,087 votes, whilst Likototo shattered his dream of a parliamentary seat by polling 1,419. Paul Chabaesele, the third parliamentary hopeful, only managed 587 votes. Another red card was given to assistant minister and incumbent Welheminah Makwinja. She is currently Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. The battle for Lentsweletau-Lephephe saw battle lines drawn between Makwinja and former ally and current councillor, Obakeng Kabo.
The election was contested by six candidates. Legojane Kebaitse won with 1,358 votes, followed by Makwinja with 1,032 votes, Kgabo walked away with 899 votes, whilst Kenalekgotla Sebolao and Masego Thantshane received 314 and 352 votes respectively. The last to receive a red card was Assistant Minister Buti Billy in Francistown East. The Assistant Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture (MYSC), who was seeking a third term in Parliament, faced a tough run from Francistown Mayor Godisang Radisigo. Radisigo walked away with the BDP ticket for the 2024 General Election under the Francistown East constituency by 1,238, whilst the incumbent, Billy, only managed 1,131 votes.
The three defeated candidates joined two other ministers and two assistant ministers who were also sent packing in the first leg of Bulela Ditswe. Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Lefoko Moagi suffered a big blow in the first leg of the elections. He lost to Dr Derrick Tlhoiwe, whilst Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Talita Monnakgotla was also slapped with a red card in the first phase of Bulela Ditswe.
The jury is still out for Minister of Finance Peggy Serame and Assistant Minister of Agriculture Molebatsi Molebatsi who have both appealed after suffering defeats at the hands of their competitors. Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South Sam Brooks and Member of Parliament for Molepolole North Oabile Ragoeng joined legislator for Gaborone Central Tumisang Healy last weekend, adding to the number of MPs who lost primaries to three. Healy lost in the first leg of Bulela Ditswe.
