The BDP’s long walk to regain Serowe
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday June 18, 2024 08:56
This is especially significant because such events were missed during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many attendees at these rallies do not represent the situation on the ground, as they came to support regions and hosts. The situation on the ground in Palapye and Serowe indicate that the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) remains difficult to overcome, as many people still have faith in their chief and the BPF patron former president Ian Khama. Evidenced over the weekend, the BPF can hold successful rallies in these areas without needing to transport attendees from other regions by buses or combis.
While the BDP held rallies in Palapye and Serowe on Saturday and Sunday, the BPF also held theirs in Serowe and Palapye on Saturday and Sunday. It would seem as if Khama and his party were out to prove a point that while the BDP took time planning for the rallies, they would just spring out of nowhere to host competing rallies and flex their muscle in their stronghold, the Central region of the country. For the BDP to reclaim its former stronghold, they must face reality and work diligently, developing strategies to win people back to the party. Simply stating that he would not handcuff Khama upon his return to Botswana is far from being enough to endear Bagammangwato to the BDP leader President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Rather it sparked outrage towards the President. Social media went abuzz with Khama’s supporters attacking Masisi for what he thought would be a welcome gesture as they questioned Masisi’s powers to tell the police how to carry out their mandate. It would seem like the recent court case launched by Khama calling for removal of Acting Regent of Bangwato, Serogola Seretse, to install his desired regent, Seretse Peter Khama, has also set the BDP a step back. This is after it emerged from the court proceedings that Masisi’s government through Minister Kgotla Autlwetse questioned the legitimacy of Khama’s chieftainship. Additionally, the BDP needs to introduce new faces, rather than individuals known to oppose the Khama family, as such new representatives are more likely to be listened to and accepted than those perceived as enemies. Regarding the selection of candidates for Members of Parliament, the BDP has made an effort to introduce entirely new faces compared to previous candidates.
Additionally, last weekend, the BDP demonstrated its desperate aim to win back their former stronghold. On the day before the rallies and on the day of the rallies, they went door-to-door to their old party members' houses, trying to convince them to return to the party. For those who lacked transportation, the BDP provided it to ensure their attendance. However, the BDP has never made it a secret that they want to win those areas back and increase their popular vote. The BDP secretary-general has long indicated that they would leave no stone unturned in their efforts. He revealed that nothing would stop them from winning, as they are campaigning aggressively to penetrate every corner of Serowe and Palapye. 'We want all our members to come back to the party, and those who are not active must become active. The party needs them. We cannot win if our members are not working for the party or campaigning. All parents must bring their children. This party belongs to them,' he said. Kario attributed the success of their rally to weeks of groundwork in the Serowe constituencies. Initially, he said BDP members were hesitant to wear party merchandise, but now they feel free to do so.
The BDP secretary-general said they have encouraged members to resist intimidation and pointed out that they have weakened the BPF in some strongholds by recruiting its members. Kario said the BPF rally failed to attract people as interest in the party wanes. He said the BDP has revived itself in Serowe, with their merchandise becoming visible as the campaign teams actively engage the community. Kario acknowledged challenges but encouraged members to keep pushing hard. He expressed happiness over welcoming new members, noting that most came from areas near Serowe.
He dismissed claims that they brought people from other areas to inflate their numbers. He said one of their strategies is the recruitment drive launched in all constituencies, which is working wonders for the party. Kario said they are happy that the party, through its government, is delivering on projects that are improving people's lives. He stated that they have fulfilled several promises from their 2019 manifesto, including plot allocation, free electricity connections, water distribution, and power generation. Kario said they have fulfilled most of their promises to Batswana and plan to do much more. One of their strategies is to put Batswana and the party first. The party secretary-general emphasised that the BDP prioritises the needs of Batswana.