Parties gear for Serowe West constituency by-election

 

Political parties across the aisle are gearing themselves for the Serowe West Constituency by-election following President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi decision to issue a writ of election on Tuesday.

The vacancy has created a lot of curiosity among all the political parties including the ruling Botswana Democratic Party who lost the constituency following the last hour resignation of their candidate and former legislator, Tshekedi Khama who joined the then newly-formed and breakaway party- Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).

As if the issuance of the writ caught them unawares, all parties preferred to be modest when asked how ready and who their candidates will be - all claiming to be still consulting their respective membership.

As to whether they will contest the by-election on their own or support the BPF which they are still courting to join them, UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said that the UDC will meet the BPF regarding its congress resolution to formally join the UDC.

“If that happens after the date of the submission of names for the Serowe West, we will support the BPF as we have always done. They have also been very helpful to us. Ours is a principled relationship,” Mohwasa said.

The President of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Dumelang Saleshando said they still have to consult the local structure this week.

“If they say they are ready, then we will take appropriate action accordingly”.

Although they are certain that they will come up with a candidate, the ruling BDP also is still reluctant to talk with certainty on who will represent them. However, Botswana Guardian has reliably learned that three Democrats - businessman Moemedi Dijeng who was handpicked by the Central Committee to contest the 2019 General Election subsequent to Khama dumping the BDP; former cabinet Minister and farmer, Keletso Rakhudu who too at some stage contested the BDP primary elections in the area; and the incumbent Councillor for Malatswae, Bernard Kenosi - have come forth indicating their willingness to represent the party.

According to BDP election procedures, any of the aspiring candidates must relinquish and, or resign their respective position that they are currently holding by this Friday.

Botswana Guardian has also learned that on Sunday, a high powered delegation composed of party Chairman and state Vice President Slumber Tsogwane and Secretary General, Kavis Kario visited Serowe West constituency as part of the consultation process.

Kario confirmed that he together with Tsogwane visited the constituency and expressed confidence that the Democrats are ready to contest the by-election.

“We have not yet received any names from those who are aspiring, however, we have set today (Friday) as our deadline for all those that are intending to contest to indicate so and of course the processes of applying to be a

candidate will also be kicking in, while the final approval will be done by the Central Committee next week”.

He said based on the prevailing circumstances - it being an emergency of any sorts which may not allow the primary election to be held - then the Central Committee may pick any candidate.

“I cannot say what will be the final decision as that will depend on what is being viewed as the best way forward once the central committee meets”.