BIG Numbers: BDP Warns Opposition

• High voter turnout in Bulewa Ditswe in phase 1, 2

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) held the first phase of its primary elections commonly known as Bulela Ditswe last weekend and recorded high numbers in terms of voter turnout, a development that observers say the opposition should be wary of ahead of general election. The elections were marred by delays as voters roll and ballots were the main reasons for delay and that didn’t deter the democrats to go out in numbers to cast votes on the elections that caused upset to some incumbent MPs and councillors. 

The second phase of primary elections were expected to be held this weekend in the remaining 26 constituencies. Good Hope-Mmathethe constituency recorded high numbers tallying 10 719 with Dr Edwin Dikoloti winning with 5 839 votes and Peggy Serame garnering 4358 votes. 

Political science lecturer at University of Botswana (UB) Dr Adam Mfundisi said there has been number of factors that were at play and led to the BDP members coming out in large numbers to vote. “We must remember that the BDP has been in power for more than five decades uninterrupted hence it has developed political networks as well as the use of government media to propagate the primary elections. In addition, the private media joined the chorus of promoting the BDP primary elections,” she said. 

Dr Mfundisi said the BDP is a well-resourced party sponsored directly and indirectly by both Government and the corporate (business) worlds, adding that amid rampant poverty, unemployment, inequality, and deprivation people are desperate for survival. 

Also, Dr Mfundisi said, primary elections in political parties are in theory supposed to include only supporters of a political party, but in reality, due to sometimes seemingly competitive politics, require inclusion of non-party cadres. 

Another political commentator Kitso Morekisi said the turnout is positive sign that BDP could have done well in registering members before primary elections, adding that opposition could still benefit from the high numbers as some Bulela Ditswe losers will be furious and secretly support opposition candidates. 

“This is the trick of Bulela Ditswe, and we are already witnessing appeals swarming the party. Those in the losing end will encourage their supporters to vote for opposition. This has been the most heated primary elections and if not careful, BDP would come out of the elections deeply bruised,” he added. 

Also, Morekisi said it is important for parties’ time and again to update their membership database, adding that Botswana National Front (BNF) primary elections in key constituencies especially in its stronghold Gaborone constituencies were not good with voters averaging 300 in some instances. 

He advised all political parties not to wait for election season to approach and then they would update membership database as well as recruiting new ones, adding that its high time parties have in their structures specific membership committees. 

Upbeat 

Meanwhile, BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse said after the long wait for primaries, said they are humbled and grateful for the commitment shown by democrats over the past weekend despite the hiccups it faced. 

He said the average turnout for constituencies in phase 1 is 4030, meaning that in the 36 constituencies there were over 4000 voters on average in every constituency, adding that it shows that the BDP is a strong party, that the party is alive and growing from strength to strength 

“We have been on a recruitment drive led by president Mokgweetsi Masisi and a special task team he has appointed. Yo You will remember the massive rallies we have hosted in North West Region, Good Hope, Palapye and Serowe where we welcomed multitudes in the party, this is a true reflection of that,” he said. 

In addition, Kentse said the BDP takes its primaries seriously and it don’t rush them as the party prepare intensively before conducting primary elections. 

“We are also comfortable with our time as we have been campaigning all along. In the past two years, the BDP is the only party that held public rallies, very successful ones for that matter. So, in the next three months we are not starting our campaign and seeing it off. We will finish off our campaign in style and we are coming for the opposition. It’s a whitewash in the waiting,” said the optimistic Kentse. 

Meanwhile, Kentse while pressed about the last weekend election delays, he said the party is waiting for formal reports from presiding officers and also feedback from democrats to understand the extent of that. 

According to Kentse, that feedback will only be after phase two elections completion when the party will then have an extensive review of all the primary elections process. 

“But as for this weekend, we expect a smooth run compared to last weekend. We have corrected ourselves. We wish all democrats partaking this weekend the very best, they must always remember the Party First,” said Kentse. 

Confidence 

Moreover, Dr Mfundisi said in theory the BDP big numbers matter because the give some confidence to the BDP that it has the prerequisite support to win in the 2024 general elections. 

Practically, he said these numbers do not reflect the massive support of the BDP in these constituencies. 

“Not all voters have registered for the 2024 general elections. A sizeable number of voters took part for personal reasons, particularly the benefits offered by the competing candidates,” said Dr Mfundisi