Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-04-17 11:48:22
Minister of Health, Edwin Dikoloti, has reportedly declined to withdraw from participating in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections for the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency, setting the stage for a potentially competitive contest with Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Peggy Serame. The official candidates’ list for the primary elections has not been publicized yet following the vetting process. Despite efforts to persuade him to step aside for the benefit of Serame, Minister Dikoloti has stood firm in his decision.
According to sources, Dikoloti is believed to have stronger grassroots support than Serame, who previously became a Specially Elected MP after the 2019 general elections. While Serame enjoys the support of some party leaders, Dikoloti’s connections in the former Mmathethe-Molapowabojang constituency have solidified his local support base.
The Central Committee did not grant a request from the BDP women’s wing seeking exemptions for certain female candidates to run uncontested in the primaries, specifically in the case of Dikoloti. It is noted that Dikoloti’s influence in the constituency has grown, with the support of many Democrats who have been loyal to him over the years. On the other hand, Serame’s political experience is still a subject of debate.
The incumbent MP for the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency is the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Eric Molale, who has announced his retirement from active politics when his term ends in October. This leaves President Mokgweetsi Masisi in a challenging position as he must choose between Dikoloti and Serame as the potential candidate for the constituency.
President Masisi has expressed the importance of both candidates, but ultimately, only one can secure the parliamentary seat. The decision will have significant implications for the future representation of the constituency in Parliament, as the loser may not have the opportunity to return as a Specially Elected MP, leaving only one candidate to represent the constituency.
In conclusion, the upcoming BDP primary elections in the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency are shaping up to be a closely contested battle between Minister Edwin Dikoloti and Minister Peggy Serame. With Dikoloti’s strong grassroots support and Serame’s party backing, President Masisi faces a challenging decision in selecting the candidate who will ultimately represent the constituency in Parliament. The outcome of this primary election will have a significant impact on the political landscape of the constituency and the BDP as a whole.
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