14 Sep 2017

In readiness to improve its prospects and that of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) at the 2019 general elections, Botswana National Front (BNF) will have held its primary elections by the end of next year’s first quarter. 

Addressing members of the media on Wednesday, BNF Secretary General, Mr Moeti Mohwasa explained that the primary elections would be held on two batches, with the first scheduled for the last quarter of this year and the last one during the first quarter of 2018. He said in efforts to ensure a smooth handling of all election matters, the central committee had last month put in place an elections sub-committee that would be responsible for spearheading issues to do with elections. 

Mr Mohwasa commended the committee, which is chaired by Mr Jerry Rasetshwane, for having hit the ground running as it was starting to meet with the regions the same week. Mr Mohwasa also introduced the party’s disciplinary committee, which is chaired by Kanye South MP, Mr Abram Kesupile. He said having the committee would, going forward, be responsible for handling all disciplinary matters. 

On the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) conflict, Mr Mohwasa said the position of the BNF was that all opposition parties should go into the next general elections as a united front. He said the BNF therefore wanted to see a united and vibrant BMD, and would thus continue to pursue efforts to see that such happened. 

He noted that the BNF would on September 19 meet with both factions of the BMD to discuss proposals that could see the party emerge from its internal conflict as one unit. 

Alhough he could not disclose the proposals that would be discussed, Mr Mohwasa said BNF would work relentlessly to ensure an amicable end to the BMD fracas. ENDS