18 Jul 2024

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will hold the first phase of primary elections dubbed ‘Bulela Ditswe’ starting in 36 constituencies on July 20. 

BDP communications committee chairperson, Mr Kagelelo Kentse said in an interview that the primary elections were scheduled to be held in two phases, noting that the second phase for the remaining 25 constituencies would be held next weekend, July 27.

“About plus or minus 500 000 registered democrats are expected to participate in the entire primary elections, starting tomorrow,” he said.

He said the elections were initially scheduled for July 20 and 21, but the party’s central committee decided to hold them in two phases as it had become apparent that the consecutive days that were initially scheduled were not practical.

 He said they had also realised that the initial schedule would  disenfranchise election officers who would be helping to conduct elections at other branches hence would not be able to freely participate at their respective branches.

He explained that voting processes were dully followed including registration of members at their branches, inspection of voters roll and verification of the voters roll. 

Mr Kentse said voters roll was sent to branches or constituencies after every registration process to crosscheck if members were properly recorded.

He said the party allowed branches to verify the voters roll and that it was done after every registration. 

“We sent the voters rolls back to the branches after every registration and so far we have done that twice,” he said.

Further, he said the election board was ready to address grievances of disillusioned members. 

“I urge democrats across the country to accept that there can only be one winner and to consider that in a competition all cannot triumph, so they should support winners. 

Our primary elections period seems short before elections, but we are ready and we will deliver,” he said

He also appealed to BDP members to set their differences aside following the primary elections, and that the elections should not divide them. 

He said they should protect the party at all costs.

Mr Kentse said election officers were trained for all 61 constituencies and confirmed that all was set and ready for tomorrow’s elections. 

Eligibility for voting requires that one should be a registered member of BDP and should possess a valid registration at their branches. Voting will be conducted from 7:00am to 6:00pm in all polling centres. Ends