MARKUS, MBULAWA’S RIVALRY REACHES BDP CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members in Maun East are said to be approaching a breaking point as the rivalry between former council and parliamentary candidates gather momentum.
In fact, this past Saturday the democrats held a meeting in Maun in which Machana Shamukuni, a central committee deployee for the region, was invited to mediate.
Among the issues he was to take forward to the central committee was a complaint raised by former Member of Parliament for Maun East, Kosta Markus, concerning regional chairperson, Reaboka Mbulawa’s move to Maun East and his alleged intention to try his luck for a parliamentary seat in the constituency in the coming 2024 general elections.
In a leaked tape from the meeting, Markus was heard raising concerns that Mbulawa did not bother to consult him when he made the move, “I have been standing in this constituency and I therefore deserve to be consulted when a new contender comes in so I can give them my blessings.
Kindly take my request to the central committee, ask them this, for Kosta to bring peace in Maun East does he have to step down and let Mbulawa take over, or for Mbulawa to bring peace does he have to go back to Maun West. Bring back the response that will bring peace in this constituency and I will gladly accept it.”
In response, one of the sitting councillors, Moetetsi Mogalakwe, stated that in a democratic country everyone is allowed to try their luck anywhere and, where there are multiple contenders, primary elections are called.
“Isn’t it that when people want to contest, they are allowed to do so once campaigns are opened and primary elections are put in place where more than one candidate show interest?” Mogalakwe asked.
A seemingly emotional Mogalakwe added, “You keep saying Mbulawa is campaigning, have you ever seen him holding a microphone at a freedom square soliciting for votes? Where did you get that from? Did he tell you that? I will forward voice notes from the whatsapp groups where people are busy soliciting for support so that you will know who really is campaigning. I was with one of the campaign managers of a certain team and he was driving a Honda Fit which was bought for him for that purpose.”
Both Mbulawa and Markus emerged as bruised losers from the 2019 general elections in Maun West and Maun East respectively.
Last month, Mbulawa transferred to Maun East and, being a regional chairperson, some of the constituents believe Markus is justified in his fear that Mbulawa may use his position to shift votes his way in case of primary elections.
“Of course there are others who have interest in the race, it is not only the two of them, but I understand where Markus is coming from because that is exactly what was done to push out Frank Ramsden (former member of parliament),” explained a BDP member who preferred anonymity.
Yet another member noted, “That we are at break point is very true. The whatsapp groups are breaking us, people are being bought to sway support.”
Reached for comment, Mbulawa said, “I never campaigned. Campaign has not been opened yet and it is not true that I use financial muscle to buy support. Some people are only afraid to be given the taste of their own medicine.”
Efforts to reach Markus were futile as he did not answer his phone nor respond to messages.
Nonetheless the central committee member, Shamukuni, who was invited to the meeting, did confirm that Maun East has indeed displayed some level of disunity.
“I did not visit them specifically for that issue. As an MCC for the region, I make visits and report back to the central committee so that if there are matters arising then the central committee is better informed and action can be taken,” explained Shamukuni when reached for comment.
However, he did admit that the stand off between Mbulawa and Markus was among the issues discussed at the meeting.