Ill-mannerism reason for Bulela Ditswe rejects – Masisi

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is about to wrap up its vetting exercise and there’s some tension brewing as certain aspirants got the boot from the party leadership due to what they’re calling ‘ill mannerisms’.

Addressing a rally here yesterday, President Mokgweetsi Masisi mentioned the tough call they made in rejecting some applicants.

“In some constituencies, you will realise we rejected all applicants. “We instead opted to approach other members to represent us at that constituency,” he said. Explaining their decision further, Masisi noted that they turned down some candidates because their behaviour wasn’t up to par and didn’t match the qualities of a leader.

“Re bone dihawa motho a sena botho, boammaaruri, a tletse lenyatso a tletse maikgantsho rea bo re ipopetse mathata, kamoso o tsoga a re tlhanogela re tshwanetse ramo emisa, (loosely translated other candidates we noticed red flags and so we have rejected them),” he said. ”When we reveal the list and you have been rejected, we expect you to continue working for the party,” Masisi also emphasised and encouraged those who applied to mentally prepare themselves. The BDP is gearing up to host Bulela Ditswe by the end of May. Masisi urged attendees to support his party, highlighting their experience in governance. “They don’t know how to run a government. I know. They are fighting each other in Parliament, tell me if they are given the responsibility of running a government what will they do?” he rhetorically asked. Kgosi Lotlamoreng II chimed in, urging the BDP to select candidates who will effectively represent his constituency (Goodhope–Mmathethe).

“Don’t give us candidates just because they are your friends, we want candidates who will be able to lead our constituency. “We want worthy candidates so that should they win the election they would represent us well in Parliament,” Lotlamoreng said.