The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is yet to announce dates for its party primaries, commonly known as Bulela-Ditswe. Until then, no members are allowed to openly campaign.
In an unusual move for a musician, Vee Mampeezy, running under his birth name, Odirile Sento, played his music and danced with BDP members on Saturday, actively encouraging those in Gaborone Central to register and vote.
Clad in BDP's traditional red colours and sporting a baseball t-shirt with 'Gaborone Central' emblazoned on it, Vee Mampeezy took to the Gaborone streets, chanting, "Jeka, Mmadiphathi jeka!" His campaign was hard to ignore, resembling a mini political rally as a crowd followed him around, with some BDP members even alerted from a red bus holding bottles of alcohol.
The award-winning artist's drive turned more political than musical, as a convoy of cars traversed areas like Extension 16 and 20. Though some may have followed the musician due to his artistic roots, Vee Mampeezy, this time, wore his political hat and wasn't shy to use his influence to encourage people to exercise their civic duty. "I am here to urge everyone to register to vote. I am a responsible citizen Bagaetsho, that’s why I register," said Vee Mampeezy just before registering in Maruapula.
Contacted for comment on Vee Mampeezy’s alleged open campaign, BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse stated that he didn’t witness Vee Mampeezy’s drive.
“Should it be determined that he was indeed on a campaign trail and not on a voter registration drive working with the party structure, we have internal processes that will address that,” Kentse remarked, regarding the potential consequences for the popular musician if the party finds out he was going against primary election regulations.
Kentse clarified that the BDP does allow registration drives as long as they are managed by party structures such as branches and regions. He emphasised that the party has long encouraged drives, blitzes, and road shows as they prepare for the general election later this year. Reports have been circulating that the 'Taku Taku' hitmaker is eyeing the Gaborone Central constituency, where he is set to face off with incumbent Tumisang Healy in the BDP primaries. Vee Mampeezy has reportedly been holding energetic secret campaigns in the constituency, something that displeases Healy.
Rumours suggest that the musician is the preferred candidate and has the leadership's full support to oust backbencher Healy. While Healy has not openly criticised a potential challenger in Vee Mampeezy, there is speculation that the incumbent MP has already informed the leadership of Vee Mampeezy’s conduct in his constituency.
