New lease on life as MPs, ministers secure reruns
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday August 30, 2024 10:09
Despite many members anxiously awaiting these outcomes, it has been confirmed that three to four constituencies will rerun their primary elections for parliamentary seats. Amongst the key reruns, Lentsweletau-Lephephe constituency Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet minister, Welheminah Makwinja, who lost to Legojane Kebaitse in last month's primaries will get another chance in the rerun.
Makwinja is no stranger to reruns, having previously won in a controversial one in 2018, beating then-area legislator Vincent Seretse. Notably, in the Mmadinare constituency assistant Minister Molebatsi Molebatsi's appeal against Kefentse Mzwinila was unsuccessful due to a lack of evidence and failure to follow protocol in challenging the outcome.
Article 12(f) of the BDP constitution stipulates that the CC's decision on any appeal is final and binding. “In presenting the appeal referred to in 12 (e) above, the manner of lodging the appeal as well as the time periods allowed, the rebuttal by respondents who shall include the regional committee, the provisions of paragraphs 13 (c) and (d) shall apply save that all reference to the regional committee shall be read to mean CC,” it stipulates.
It reveals that the CC shall then consider the appeal and may decide on the eligibility of it to lie directly with it, or may direct that the matter be sent back to the regional committee for hearing. Furthermore, the constitution points out that failure to follow laid down procedures will nullify any opportunity for appeal.
The dissatisfaction with the primary elections resulted in over 100 appeals at both parliamentary and council levels. Some appeals were dismissed due to procedural lapses, while others were upheld or overturned by the CC.
BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse confirmed on Wednesday that the party had seven unopposed candidates, 22 constituencies with no appeals, and 31 constituencies awaiting the CC's decision on their appeals.
Meanwhile, BDP Secretary-General Kavis Kario told Mmegi: “I cannot comment on this issue since CC has not released the result yet. Yes, CC has finalised the appeals and we are left with paperwork.”