BNF wars continue as candidates claim victory in Kanye East primary elections

Botswana National Front (BNF) primary elections for parliamentary candidates in Kanye East have plunged into controversy following conflicting claims of victory from the two main candidates, Prince Mosanana and Bakang Lesole.

The two declared themselves winners, casting doubt on the integrity of the election process. Held two weeks ago, the primary elections aimed to select a candidate for the upcoming October general election for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

However, confusion ensued when both candidates began asserting their victories, each accusing the other of benefiting from electoral manipulation.

Reports indicate that the election results were marred by irregularities. Initially, votes were to be counted and announced at Matsaakgang Primary School. However, allegations surfaced that some people on the election committee added extra votes in favour of Lesole and prematurely declared him the winner via a phone message, while vote counting was still continuing. Lesole's supporters immediately celebrated his supposed victory.

On the other hand, official results later declared Mosanana the winner. Accusations then emerged that Mosanana’s vote tally had been artificially inflated, with 80 votes reportedly added in his favour, instead of eight from one polling station.

In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Bakang Lesole, stood by his claim of victory, stating; 'I have won the primary elections and I was declared a winner after scooping 1 100 votes. Right now, I do not want to lead the party on any decision.'

Mosanana countered this by revealing that he was approached by the BNF constituency to represent Kanye East following the burial of the late Otlaadisa Koosaletse. He claimed his victory was legitimate and criticised Lesole's longstanding political influence and support within the BNF as factors complicating the election outcome.

The Chairman of Kanye East election committee referred the contentious matter to the BNF National Election Board for resolution. BNF Secretary-General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa confirmed that according to the National Election Board, Mosanana was declared the winner based on the votes.

'There can never be two winners. If there is any winner, the person can say who declared them a winner,' Motshegwa stated.