BDP denies buying votes in Sekoma

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has refuted claims by opposition that it bought votes in the weekend Sekoma ward by-election.BDP snatched the ward which has been held by the opposition for the past 22 years with 1118 votes against 955 of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). BDP was up against a united opposition front of Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and UDC. BCP supported the UDC which had fielded its candidate following an agreement between the two to support each other in by-elections.

In the eve of the election the BDP was accused of dishing out food hampers to the residents of the ward.BDP Secretary General, Botsalo Ntuane dismissed the accusation in an interview. Ntuane said this shows that the UDC is taking voters for granted. He said his party never bought anyone but rather had a “committed and hardworking campaign team” led by former area Member of Parliament Mephato Reatile. “In the previous by-elections that we lost were we buying votes or are the UDC the ones who were buying votes? This is the problem with the opposition when they lose they blame it on buying of voters. What are they saying about the voters - that they cannot think for themselves? I think this is childish”, said Ntuane.He said that what transpired in Sekoma shows the boundless opportunities that exist for a party that is united with all its structures working together. He emphasised that the victory marks a turning point for the BDP. Keboetseng Lebotso represented BDP while Robert Rantsho represented the UDC. Out of the 2850 registered voters in the ward 757 did not cast their votes. The by-election came as a result of the passing of the area councillor Makalare Ngomme in December last year.