Domkrag extends submission deadline for excom elections

A stress Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) this week extended the deadline for members interested in contesting Central Committee elections to noon of today (Friday) for those who had still not expressed their interest in writing to the Secretariat.

The names of those who have expressed interest in central committee positions will subsequently be published by party President Ian Khama at the council. The deadline extension was reached after some interested in contesting indicated that they also want their names to be availed during the weekend council.

Others are said to have contended that they did not see the communication relating to the expression of interest in time hence they missed the deadline. BDP Secretary General Botsalo Ntuane confirmed to Botswana Guardian that the deadline has been extended. He however dismissed claims that the leadership of the party was under pressure to extend the deadline.

Ntuane stated that as a democratic party they had to listen to their members to ensure that no one would be left behind. He continued that people would still be allowed during the July Congress to submit names from the floor for any position. This new deadline extension could change the whole landscape. New names for various seats especially key positions could emerge at the council.

This past week a change was witnessed when party Chairman Mokgweetsi Masisi dropped former Ambassador to Japan Jacob Nkate from his lobby list as Secretary General. Nkate was expected to go head to head with Ntuane and Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Dikgang Makgalemele who is allegedly linked to Infrastructure and Housing Development Minister Nonofo Molefhi’s lobby list.