03 Apr 2019

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is headed for a historic special congress in Kang in the Kgalagadi District.

Ever since the party was formed close to 60 years ago, an incumbent leader was never challenged.

This always guaranteed the incumbent an opportunity to lead the party into the general elections, subsequently becoming a Head of State.

Not anymore; a new era has suddenly sprung up. On April 5 the party is scheduled to hold its first ever internal party presidential election.

The race will be between the incumbent President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.

Party secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi, confirmed that he had received letters of the two candidates, but noted that closing for submission of names would be April 4 at 2pm.

“I can confirm that there are two legit candidates: Dr Masisi and Dr Venson-Moitioi who will contest for the party presidency, scheduled for Kang on April 5,” said Mr Balopi.

BDP has 14 regions across the country, with 57 constituencies. Each constituency would be represented by eight delegates who would be part of the electoral college at the congress. 

The eight delegates were selected from branches in accordance with the rules made by the central committee as per article 26.4.2 of the party constitution, while the two members: chairperson and secretary of the branch would be part of those with voting rights by virtue of their positions. 

Mr Balopi said there was no voters roll, but the party constitution only provided for an electoral college that comprised all members who have voting rights such as all councillors and MPs. 

He, however, clarified that MPs or councillors holding positions within sub committees would not be allowed to vote twice and confirmed that so far, the 14 regions had all endorsed Dr Masisi, while Dr Venson-Moitoi submitted her letter of intent to contest with 50 names of delegates who will sponsor her candidature.

Mr Balopi, however, revealed that he was still to verify if the submitted names were supposed to be part of the electoral college as per the party constitution.

“At the close of nominations in accordance with 29.2 and 29.3 articles, I will publish the names of the aspirant candidates on the notice board for the benefit of every delegate at the congress,” he said.

He also said both contenders and party leadership would participate on the rules of engagement as per the party constitution, adding that the constitution would take precedence.

Electoral college consisted of 1073 people that comprised eight delegates from each constituency, chairpersons and secretaries of branches and regions respectively, all councilors, all MPs and representatives or leaders of different party sub committees.

Mr Balopi further revealed at a press briefing that President Masisi recused himself from being the chairperson of the elections commission, but instead would appoint an ad-hoc electoral commission to run the elections because he was conflicted. ends