01 Jul 2014

Mr Manuel Marole will represent the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) as the council candidate for Mabolwe-Semolale-Gobojango ward, known as MASEGO, in the 2014 general elections.

Mr Marole won the BDP primary elections re-run on June 28. He amassed 194 votes to beat the other contenders; Mr Madome Mathora (143), Mr Dikgang Mosokwane (142), Mr Gabana Mosebola (109), Mr States Makwate (98) and Mr Kgosiemang Mogapi (29).

The party held the re-run after Mr Goja Dikinya who won the previous elections stepped down voluntarily to clear his name after he was accused of being involved in illegal voter registration.

The returning officer, Mr Dithapelo Tshotlego, a member of Public Education and Elections Committee (PEEC), advised the candidates to rally behind Mr Marole and work for the interests of the party. He said all campaign teams must be dissolved henceforth to build one strong team to prepare for the general elections.

 He also warned party members from the three villages against tribalism and urged them to vote candidates on the basis of their competency and not where they come from.

Area Member of Parliament Mr Shaw Kgathi also thanked democrats for voting in large numbers. He also commended Mr Dikinya for stepping down for the candidature post to clear his name because he did not want to bring the party into disrepute.

He added that the MASEGO and Bobirwa area was a BDP stronghold and would remain so.

He also urged BDP members not to be too concerned that their preferred candidates lost and rally behind the winning candidates for the interests of the party.

“I know that some candidates even end up voting for the opposition. Primary elections are meant to choose one candidate who will represent the party, not to create divisions between party members,” he said.

He expressed hope that the re-run will forge unity amongst democrats and support the party’s preparations for the general elections.  ENDS