BDP primaries: More fireworks, twists and turns
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe - Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday July 26, 2024 12:13
Chobe
The Minister of Justice, Machana Ronald Shamukuni, has won this constituency for the ruling party for the past two general elections after wrestling it from opposition, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) in 2014. However, he does not have his work cut out for him this weekend to advance to the general election and continue his streak. He faces tough competition from nominated councillor, Paul Matshelane Chabaesele and Luckson Likokoto. The incumbent area Member of Parliament (MP) Shamukuni, had triumphed against Likokoto in 2018 but talk on the ground is that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members on the ground prefer the latter. This is going to be a showdown, which might see another Cabinet minister bite the dust. Ngami BDP secretary-general, Kavis Kario, is surely looking to make a comeback to Parliament. The former Selebi-Phikwe West legislator and Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development is taking on Mpepisang Tuyereke and Lelejwang Sokwe. Kario has emerged as the favourite to come out tops but Bulela Ditswe has its surprises. It provides for a very interesting battle.
Selebi-Phikwe West
After going to Parliament through the Specially Elected Member path, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake, is looking to legitimise her MP position through the ballot. Manake is allegedly amongst President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s trusted Cabinet members and would not like to disappoint his boss by losing the primary election. However, she faces tough competition from Opelo Makhandela. The former civil servant is a seasoned politician who is capable of winning this election. Their fight is significant because they are in one of the opposition-held constituencies that the ruling party is eager to win.
Tswapong North
This is another area that has provided for interesting elections in the past. On Saturday, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Setlhabelo Modukanele, comes against Gabogopole Sebele and Dumisane Jeremiah. Modukanele is alleged to be in trouble of losing as both Sebele and Jeremiah have strong support within the party structures. Tswapong SouthAnother interesting election beckons in this constituency pitting former Minister of Health, Dorcas Makgato against Deric Ramaano. After losing the constituency to then Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, Makgato’s loyalty was rewarded with an ambassadorial appointment. She returned a few years later to seek a return to Parliament, but first she has to go past Ramaano, who is considered a formidable opponent. One wonders what’s next for Makgato if she loses the BDP primaries.
Kgatleng West
This constituency has five candidates vying for the chance to represent the winner at the upcoming general election. These are Ramonaka Ruele, Daniel Molokwe, Gregory Mfazi, Lebotse Molefi and Omphemetse Sebina. There are no big names or incumbent vying for this constituency. Molokwe, who is the Kgatleng District Council Chairperson, might stand a chance because of his position but the final decision lies with the members.
Gaborone North
This is another constituency where fireworks are expected. Seven candidates will slug it out during the weekend election. Former Gaborone City Council Mayor, Haskins Nkaigwa, is up against Boitshepo Bolele, Seikisi Manyepedza, Tonny Ndebele, Michael Morapedi, Rebaone Seema and former Shoshong MP, Dikgang Makgalemele. It is a highly contested area.
Gaborone South
This is a two horse race pitting Kagiso Rantswaneng and the incumbent MP, Dumizweni Mthimkhulu. The latter, who is also the Minister of Environment and Tourism, is looking to make a return to Parliament but faces tough competition from Rantswaneng.
Tlokweng
This is another constituency where a Cabinet minister is seeking re-election. The Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Thulaganyo Segokgo, is up against experienced academic, Letshwiti Tutwane. Mogoditshane EastThis is one of the constituencies which is considered very open. As a new constituency following the splitting of Mogoditshane by the Delimitation Commission, the constituency has attracted politically unknown candidates vying for a spot at the national polls. The candidates are Peo Tshiamo, Lillian Moremi and Aaron Radira.
Bobirwa
Leonard Marumo will contest the BDP primaries in the Bobirwa constituency against Francisco Kgoboko who lost the 2019 General Election to Taolo Lucas of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). This is another constituency which is tough to call and the BDP would want to emerge out if this election unscathed as it is one of the areas the party wants to reclaim. Both candidates are formidable, therefore, it might go down to the wire.
Kgatleng Central
Kgatleng Central is set for a competitive election with Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela, Otsile Moje, and Shango Kubanji as the candidates. Kgafela, who is also the chief of the Bakgatla tribe, may have a significant edge due to tribal loyalty, making it difficult for Moje and Kubanji to win despite their strengths. Kgafela’s well-known status may mean he doesn’t need to campaign as intensely as his opponents.
Gaborone Bonnington North
This constituency features a battle amongst three candidates: two men and one woman. The incumbent, Annah Mokgethi, is as strong as Poloko Pitwane, while Ookeditse Malesu is not as active on the ground. Mokgethi and Pitwane have the support of incumbent councillors. However, to defeat the incumbent, one must work twice as hard. However, one cannot undermine Malesu. Gaborone Bonnington South In Gaborone Bonnington South, the primary elections are set to be highly competitive with Christian Greef, Alfred Madigele, and Pelonomi Bantsi vying for the crown. All the three are experienced candidates, but the incumbent Greef may have an advantage if Bantsi and Madigele split the vote. This division could significantly impact the outcome, making the election a key one to watch.
Mogoditshane West
Mogoditshane West is an intriguing constituency, especially with the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, vying to retain his seat. Rakgare is up against four contenders, with Sethukani Gabanakgosi emerging as a significant competitor. Although Oteng Mpudu, Christopher Letsatle, and Bakang Matlho are also strong candidates, Gabanakgosi is seen as a particularly tough challenge.
Gabane-Mmankgodi
This constituency is one of the most contentious as the incumbent and the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi will face a tough challenge from Bdongo Ntwayagae. It is generally difficult to defeat incumbents unless the challenger has a strong local presence. However, non-incumbents should not be dismissed as they can and do win.
Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe
This is one of the new constituencies and the winner has to appeal to residents for both areas. Mmopane and Metsimotlhabe have housed the working population. For one to win, they must appeal to all working class, elderly people and unemployed ones. The area is contested by nine people who are Sebego Mogatusi, Peter Rathari, Anderson Mathibe, Moemedi Mokgachane, Tryphinah Syakayuwa, James Lekgetho, Thato Baliki and Matthews Letsholo. Thamaga-Kumakwane This constituency presents a challenging race against the incumbent, Palelo Motaosane, who has a strong local presence. Despite having three challengers, Tiroyaone Lepotokisi, Setshwano Mokgweetsinyana, and Mhitsane Reetsang, they face a tough battle, as Motaosane is deeply rooted in the community.
Lentsweletau-Lephephe
Lentsweletau-Lephepe is a challenging constituency to analyse. Incumbent Welheminah Makwinja is set to face a formidable challenge from her former friend and current councillor, Obakeng Kabo. The latter, who previously acted as a liaison between the MP and constituents, has established a close relationship with voters, making him a significant competitor. Despite this, Makwinja still has a strong chance of winning, though she will also face competition from four other candidates: Kenalekgotla Sebolao, Masego Thantshane, Kgopolo Lenkutwane, and Legojane Kebaitse.
Francistown East
In Francistown East, the Assistant Minister of Sports Buti Billy will compete against the Francistown City Mayor, Godisang Radisigo, in the primary election. Billy, who is seeking his third term in Parliament, brings a wealth of experience as a former councillor and Francistown mayor. Both candidates have strong local support, making the contest a challenging one.