Manake and Lopang to square off at Phikwe West
Party leadership will not endorse candidates for Bulela Ditswe- BDP Spokesperson
Prominent businessmen and Group Executive Director of YMH (Pty) Ltd, Dumi Lopang has allegedly thrown his hat in the ring for Selibe-Phikwe West constituency primary elections under the Botswana Democratic Party, The Voice has been reliably informed.
Although Lopang did not want to comment on the persisting speculations that he could be the dark horse in Phikwe West BDP Primary elections, the media Mogul strongly refuted rumours that he had at some point contemplated joining Botswana Congress Party when they reportedly tried to lure him into their fold as an effort to unseat their former member and incumbent, Dithapelo Keorapetse.
“I am a member of the BDP’s Finance Sub Committee, how can I be linked to BCP?” Lopang asked. “People have been asking when I would consider relocating to the mining town but not stating why they need me to represent them. One day I would like to serve my community, it may be now or later but most importantly it will depend on what the people want,” said Lopang
Lopang’s entrance in the game throws a spanner in the works for Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake who has been eying the constituency. Manake who is alleged to have had assurance from party leadership that she was to contest the general elections without going through the ruling party’s Bulela Ditswe will have to double her efforts.
The Specially elected Member of Parliament was first linked with Bobonong Constituency but later shifted her attention to Selibe Phikwe West where she has been active in community service in efforts to win the hearts of the people.
Recently, Manake was made the Patron of the mining town’s premier league team, Nico United and even tried to source sponsorship for them although her efforts did not bear fruits.
Meanwhile, the BDP Spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse warned members to desist from using the party leadership as their campaign tool. “The President or any leader in the BDP will not endorse any Bulela Ditswe candidate; he has been on record regarding the issue.”
Kentse noted that although the ruling party has been preaching consensus candidates where possible; there are areas where it won’t work and the BDP will be forced to go for primary elections.
A date for the party’s primary elections will be announced during the party’s Council/Special Congress to be held in Palapye next weekend. The winner between Manake and Lopang will battle it out with the incumbent and Umbrella for Democratic Change’s Member of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse and BCP’s Reuben Kaizer.