Fireworks expected at BDP congress :: Mmegi Online

FRANCISTOWN: With over two months to go, the battle for the control of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is intensifying. The BDP holds its 44th congress and elections in July and already, the party faithful are reportedly travelling the length and breath of the country in search of support. The race for party positions seems to have brought factional allies even closer.

The BDP secretariat has of late been inundated with inquiries from members across the country seeking pertinent information related to the congress and elections. This will be President Festus Mogae's last congress as leader of the party and state president.

As it has become the norm, nobody has challenged Vice President Ian Khama for the party chairmanship. There is generally concern why Khama is not stepping down to allow other people to run for the chairmanship when it is a given that he will be ascending to the presidency. Some people hope that Khama might announce from the floor of the congress that he is stepping down from the party chairmanship. It is said the biggest battle in the BDP this year will be between Education Minister and current BDP deputy secretary general, Jacob Nkate and former BDP youth leader and Gaborone regional committee chairman, Gomolemo Motswaledi. The two are seeking to succeed the long-serving Daniel Kwelagobe as secretary general.

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