BDP primaries aspirants request payment deadline extension
Aspiring candidates struggle to fund raise for primaries Risk exclusion if unsuccessful
Some members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) are encountering a predicament in their pursuit of participating in the party’s primary elections. They aspire to take part in Bulela Ditswe, but lack the funds to pay the required fees.
The party’s central committee (CC) has stipulated a five-day deadline for those who have applied for Expression of Interest to make their payments before applying at their respective branches. The fee for council seat contestants is P5,000 while P10,000 is required for those vying for Member of Parliament primaries.
While many have already fulfilled the payment requirement, disadvantaged members are urging the party to extend the deadline, providing them with additional time to raise the essential funds, as The Monitor has learnt.
“This is a challenging situation for the BDP, as it may have to balance the needs of the members with the need to move forward with primary elections,” a source said.
The source expressed concerns about potential unfair advantages and time constraints should the party spurn the request, emphasising the party’s necessity to proceed with primary elections without delay to campaign for the general election.
BDP secretary-general, Kavis Kario confirmed receiving the request but stated that no decision had been made yet.
“The majority of people have paid, and some are still paying. This time around, we cannot make any decision. “But of course, the matter will be looked into. Again, it would be up to the party leadership to decide if there is a need to or not,” he said.
He remarked that members must also consider the party’s preparation for the primary and general elections.
Addressing concerns about the perceived disadvantages of fee increases, Kario clarified that fees had remained unchanged for a decade, while election materials’ costs had risen.
He pointed out that like any company or institution, the party had bills to settle, and members needed to understand the increased costs of materials in stores. Printing ballot papers, the voters’ roll, fuelling cars for election officers, and providing food and accommodation were listed as costly election expenses.
Kario emphasised that some discussions regarding party affairs and financial status took place during the congress, hence it was unfair for members to voice grievances without considering this context.
He affirmed that all branches and structures were prepared to initiate the vetting process.