Gamalete: A constituency to watch
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday October 22, 2024 11:02
This constituency is dynamic and often influenced by the local chieftaincy (bogosi), depending on its relationship with the government and the presence of conflicts during elections. Such factors significantly impact voter sentiment and can dictate how residents vote. In constituencies where bogosi plays a crucial role, residents tend to respect the decisions of their chief. Typically, the chief may not openly express political preferences, yet subtle cues in their speech can guide residents on how to align their votes. The competitive political landscape in this area features the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) as the primary players. Although the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is also in the running, it lacks the same strength as the BCP and the BDP. In the 2014 General Election, the BCP claimed victory.
However, the lack of cooperation between the UDC and the BCP may give the BDP an advantage, particularly in the light of the ongoing tensions between bogosi and the government. Government and Balete were fighting for land, which bogosi ended up winning. At some point, their chief, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, accused the government of trying to threaten her life through the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). However, it is not clear if the government and Bamalete bogosi have made peace after the court cases. As it stands, no one can confidently declare they will win the area. A party that has won the hearts and minds of the residents or effectively marketed itself, convincing the community of its value, will likely secure the area. If its manifesto resonates with the residents and addresses their needs, the party will be a strong contender. For the BDP, Dr Derrick Tlhoiwe is a dedicated candidate who appears to have cultivated good relationships with many constituents. This marks his first electoral campaign. Nevertheless, he faces the challenge of uniting those who lost in the primaries behind him. He currently enjoys the support of former Member of Parliament, Lefoko Moagi, who serves as his campaign manager. While the area has traditionally been a BDP stronghold, the BCP has successfully gained ground in some wards, often resulting in narrow margins of victory for the BDP. In the party primary elections, Tlhoiwe had won with 2, 860 votes against Moagi with 2, 221 votes. Tlhoiwe has made peace with some of the members who lost the primary elections and were not on his side during elections. He had made a vow to the party leadership that he would win the area. In 2009 General Election, the BDP had won it, and in the 2014 General Election it was won by the BCP and 2019 General Election, it was grabbed by the BDP again.
BCP
Boniface Mabeo of the BCP is a formidable contender with political experience, having previously run in the 2019 General Election under the Alliance for Progressives (AP) and lost. Now, with the BCP’s strong presence in the area, he stands a good chance of success, depending on his campaign efforts and the backing of the local chieftaincy. Mabeo grew up in Ramotswa and his businesses are also in that area, which gives him more advantage. He also has strong council candidates who are hard workers.
UDC
Donald Keakile from the UDC has significant work ahead, even though he is well-known in the community. His party lacks strong support locally, which may hinder his performance. However, with hard work and potential endorsement from the chieftaincy, he could also emerge as a viable candidate. He has also traversed the length and breadth politically and could attract support from the BDP base. He is also popular with the youth and could garner votes across social events followers where he participates actively and even sponsors.