- This as the party issues a writ of primary elections
The Botswana Congress Party has set September 23rd -24th and October 7th -8th for its primary elections which will be paving way for the 2024 general elections.
The BCP was this week expected to issue a writ of elections which will mark the beginning of the expression of interest process for those who want to contest under the party’s name and symbol followed by nominations on the 31st August and primaries at a later stage.
This was revealed by the party’s Secretary General Goretetse Kekgonegile in an interview who indicated that they have since divided the constituencies into two batches with the first one having its primaries on the 23rd to 24th September followed by the second batch on the 7th to 8th October.
Though BCP has had a number of its councillors leaving the party for UDC and Kekgonegile has explained that the reason behind dividing the constituencies is a precautionary measure to avoid overwhelming the party’s election machinery given the national massive interest to contest for the primaries by the party members.
He further noted that in efforts to promote equal participation, BCP will offer 50% discounts to disadvantaged contestants on primary elections charges. He noted that this will apply to marginalised groups including rural dwellers, youth, women and people living with disabilities.
The party has seen 15 out of 75 of its councilors countrywide leaving the party with more anticipated to also leave in the near future. The party argued that resigning councilors were said to have been avoiding subscription arrears which have accumulated over time while also dodging the party’s primary elections process.
Kekgonegile previously indicated that another factor which had resulted in the mass resignation of their councilors, opting to remain members of the Umbrella for Democratic Change was because they have been given incumbency advantage and will not necessarily go through primary elections.
While other political parties are preparing for primary elections ahead of the 2024 general election, Botswana National Front (BNF) has at its congress resolved not to do so. The BNF instead will pursue the approach of reaching consensus on candidates for wards and constituencies.
The party president Duma Boko has in the past hinted that the party will choose candidates instead of primary elections as is the norm with many political parties locally.
