BDP threatens candidates with ultimatum

Some uncompromising Botswana Democratic Party primary election candidates at Moselewapula ward in Francistown West constituency have been urged to agree on a consensus candidate amid doubts as the candidates have vowed to be separated by an election. Addressing party activists in Francistown during an internal meeting over the weekend, Party Deputy Secretary Shaw Kgathi pleaded with eight BDP members who have shown interest to contest for the ward which fell vacant after the death of former deputy mayor, Lechedzani Modenga in February, to reach a compromise.

Among those who want to try their luck for the ward are former area councillor Johnson Moremi, former deputy mayor Joyce Ndove and Misiosi Tadubana. Kgathi informed the gathering that as the party leadership they encourage candidates in by elections to always reach a compromise to let one capable person to represent the party. “Reaching a consensus will give the party ample time to campaign hence the probability of retaining the ward will be very high,” Kgathi noted. He said candidates should always put the interest of the party first. Kgathi, who is also MP for Bobirwa lamented that the eight party activists who have shown interest to contest the primary elections popularly known as Bulela Ditswe will be given up to Friday this week to have reached a compromise. If the candidates fail to reach a compromise, the party will have to hold primary elections. “Go and consult your relatives and friends, if it is possible some of you can withdraw their candidatures.

“I must tell you that you are not forced to withdraw from the race but if you strongly feel that you are not a capable candidate, please withdraw.” Kgathi cautioned the candidates that campaigning for political office is financially demanding therefore those who do not have the resources should gracefully withdraw. According to Kgathi, the candidates should liaise with the branch chairperson and the regional chairperson to ensure that the process of selecting one candidate amongst them is done in good faith. He reiterated that the party’s intention is to retain the ward by trouncing the opposition by a huge margin. On other issues, Kgathi expressed grave concern about lack of discipline within the ruling party. “Some of you have the tendency of attacking other party activists through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp,” he cautioned. Kgathi highlighted that some party activists even have the audacity to also criticise the party leadership through social media. He noted that BDP members should learn something from opposition activists who respect their leaders despite their blunders.