THE RACE BEGINS
BDP stalwarts jostle for constituencies
AN interesting battle for constituencies is brewing within the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Some of the senior party members and Specially Elected Members of Parliament have already raised their hands showing interest in contesting for parliamentary seats. Although the BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse, could not be drawn into discussing the allegations doing rounds because his party writ has not been issued yet, The Voice staffer, DANIEL CHIDA, has managed to identify some of the notable faces that will be contesting.
Gaborone Bonnington South
News coming from the area, which is under Chris Greef, is that the BDP Deputy Treasurer, Jagdish Shah, has shown interest in the area. Although he dismissed that it is alleged that his campaign team is already on the ground canvassing for support, Greef will not face the challenge from his deputy treasurer only but from Ntuka Orapeleng, too. Just like Greef, Orapeleng is a popular figure in the area, especially Gaborone West and runs a cleaning and waste management company.
Gaborone North
With the former BDP Secretary General, Mpho Balopi’s future in politics uncertain, former Gaborone City Council Deputy Mayor, Lotty Manyapetsa, has raised his hand. Lotty, as the loud and controversial politician is popularly known, has been a resident of the Gaborone North suburb and is likely to go to BDP primary elections unopposed.
Kanye North
Incumbent MP, Thapelo Letsholo, will face the BDP’S former SG and prodigal son, Kentse Rammidi. Nchi, as he is affectionately known, resigned from the party despite having been elected its SG within a month. His reasoning at the time of his resignation in 2011 was that the BDP had abandoned its democratic principles and was being guided by the opinions of the then President, Ian Khama. He went on to label his party members as ‘weak’ people who failed to stand up against Khama. He made a return to the ruling party in 2018.
Francistown South
Former Botswana National Sport Commission Chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng, has shown interest in the constituency that is held by the Alliance for Progressives’ only MP,
Wynter Mmolotsi. Reikeletseng will face Specially Elected Councillor, Modiri Jojo Lucas, who lost to Mmolotsi.
Lobatse
Having reconsidered his decision to contest at Bonnington South, Alfred Madigele will be standing in Lobatse. In Lobatse, he is likely to face two heavyweights in former Minister of Finance, Thapelo Matsheka, and Sadique Kebonang.
Gaborone Central
Currently under Tumisang Healy, there has been an interest from many people and notable ones are former BDP Youth Wing leader, Bontsi Monare, and musician, Odirile Sento. Sento has started doing his charity work in the area while Monare is said to be consulting privately.
Mmopane/metsimotlhabe
The BDP Labour Committee Vice Chairperson, Raymond Malinga, is already making inroads in the newly formed constituency. Malinga paved way for Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lemogang Kwape, for Deputy Secretary position during the party’s elective congress in Tsabong last year.
Selibe Phikwe West
Specially Elected MP and Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake, has joined the race with interest in the constituency currently held by the Leader of Opposition, Dithapelo Keorapetse.