- Criticize some of the decisions made and challenges faced by the BDP
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) veteran, Daniel Kwelagobe, has openly condemned how the party’s primary elections were conducted, criticising some of the decisions made and challenges faced by the BDP.
The party’s primary elections across the country were marred with controversies which left many democrats frustrated leading to several appeals. Some decided to quit the party for the opposition while the likes of Goodhope-Mmathethe parliamentary aspirant, Edwin Dikoloti were sacked by the central committee.
The Maun East constituency also got its share of the drama after initial parliamentary aspirants for the area being former BDP regional chairman Reaboka Mbulawa, former cabinet minister, Konstantinos Markus and businessman, Chris Bethia were all vetted out. The party’s central committee subsequently appointed former Chanoga chief, Oateng Sethodi as the sole candidate for the constituency to the criticism of many in the political space.
Political pundits believed that the central committee led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi should have not imposed a political new comer in Sethodi to the Maun East democrats but it could have instead allowed them to choose their preferred candidate through primaries.
Speaking at tea party for BDP elders in Maun on Thursday, Kwelagobe condemned these recent developments. He has however urged members who feel wronged to forgive and refocus their efforts on the upcoming general elections set for October 30, 2024.
He suggested that if any issues disrupt the party’s operations, it may be necessary to amend the constitution to address these challenges. “We should revisit our constitution as a party,” he advised.
Kwelagobe popularly known as DK called on party members to come unite and address past mistakes to secure victory in the general elections, especially in the North West region, which has been led by opposition parties for the past five years. In 2019 the opposition UDC won all parliamentary positions and the majority council seats across the North West region.
Kwelagobe has however praised the region for acknowledging the party’s elders whom he said possess valuable political experience and can offer guidance.
Meanwhile, another party veteran, John Benn complained that some decisions were made without the elders’ input. He indicated that the tea party even aimed at rectifying that oversight. He encouraged all elders to unite and work towards regaining control of the North West region from opposition parties.
“Elders have political wisdom and are less susceptible to opposition influence; we must utilize their insights and avoid sidelining them,” he pleaded with the party. Benn also urged all BDP council and parliamentary candidates to avoid petty conflicts with opposition members and concentrate solely on campaigning for the upcoming elections.
