BDP Tswapong South election results contested

Deric Ramaano, a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) member who lost in the party’s primary elections to former cabinet member Dorcas Makgato, has demanded that the outcome of the Tswapong South July 27th 2024 election results be nullified.

In his appeal to the central committee, Ramaano pleaded for a rerun of the elections to be instituted, the executive of the branch committee be suspended pending an investigation, in the event of a rerun the branch committee must be barred from interfering with election and polling agents must be permitted to verify the assistance given to elderly voters by polling officers to avoid fraudulent acts as observed on Saturday.

According to Ramaano, on the day of the elections, there were so many irregularities which influenced the outcome of the elections. He avers that the branch committee was in charge of the 27th July 2024 Tswapong South primary elections, not the returning officers.

“I personally at around 0900hrs on the day of the election raised issue with returning officer Mr. Kopi regarding the manner in which illiterate voters and those who need assistance were complaining.

“I was dismissed. It is evident that my opponent, the branch committee and the returning officers colluded in aiding and abetting candidate Dorcus Makgato’s victory. Already 49 voters have made serious allegations of fraudulent conduct by polling officers who were told by a voter to put my name but Makgato’s name was written instead. These allegations have been verified by polling agents,” he claimed.

He said this means that there are so many more voters who were defrauded of their constitutional right to vote for a candidate of their choice simply because they could not read and write.

He stated that the appeal is directed at the Central Committee not out of disrespect but solemnly because the Regional Committee is equally a party of interest, especially since some of its members are conflicted and have hosted his competitor’s tea sessions in their residence not so long ago.

“Key to my contention is the conduct of the executive of the branch committee which is unbecoming and very detrimental. Contrary to the provisions of the constitution of the BDP, particularly articles 3,8,9,10, the branch committee saw it fit to align themselves with candidate Makgato and went on a smear campaign against my own person, doing this with intent and malice,' Ramaano accused.

Furthermore, 'the branch secretary, Tekolo Gosego made it very clear in a telephone call with another democrat that no candidate who is not wanted by the party structures shall not and cannot win election.

“It has been clear from the onset that the executive of the branch committee orchestrated my downfall and planned this election rigging well in time.”