Rigging fears rock BDP

• Morwaeng, Rammidi want neutral body to run elections
• BDP rejects the proposal citing budgetary constraints

BAKANG TIRO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

A week ahead of the crucial Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) elective congress in Maun, some democrats contesting for central committee positions have raised concerns over the integrity of the upcoming elections.

BDP will hold an elective congress as it rebuilds after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in 2024 general election. Secretary General (SG) aspirant Kabo Morwaeng on Friday asked the party’s leadership to consider engaging an independent body to supervise elections and, in this case, recommending the University of Botswana of Democracy Research Project.

In a letter addressed to the central committee Morwaeng said UB Democracy Research Project should be engaged to work alongside the party’s electoral board in managing the elections during the congress. He said the involvement of an external, impartial body will not only safeguard doubts or negative perceptions that could undermine the outcome and spirit of the congress

“Our collective goal must be to emerge from Maun more united, more hopeful and stronger than even before. An election process perceived as fair and impartial will be instrumental in achieving this goal,” said Morwaeng.

In addition, Morwaeng said he is compelled to raise this appeal with just seven days remaining before the congress, the party leadership has not yet publicly reassured democrats and the broader about the integrity of the electoral preparations.

Morwaeng said at this critical juncture, open communication and demonstratable commitment to a free and process are essential.

Similarly, another SG contestant Kentse Rammidi asked the party to engage UB Democracy Research Project citing concerns over the transparency and fairness in the build up to the elective congress.

However, BDP Secretary General in his response letter to Rammidi dated 28^th April 2025 said the request to engage UB body to supervise elections couldn’t be successful due to financial implications associated with such move.

Ngaka said: “The Central Committee assures you and every Democrat that the National Congress elections will be fair, free and transparent and that the elections will be conducted by Election Commissioners who would be appointed by the Party President.”

He also said the Election Commissioners will be assisted by Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC).

Protests

Political analyst, Kitso Morekisi said BDP election outcomes are likely to result in protests that would divide the party. He said the proposals advanced by Rammidi and Morwaeng but rejected by central committee speak volumes that those who will lose at the congress will not just easily concede the defeat.

According to Morekisi, the central committee led by BDP president Mokgweetsi Masisi has been already accused of plot to influence election outcome in favour of some candidates preferred by the committee. “Elections on their nature are disputable and this elective congress is very crucial for the BDP revival. It would either make or break the party. Room for conflict should be avoided at all costs by BDP,” he said.