Africa-Press – Botswana. In preparation for this year’s general elections, the Botswana National Front (BNF) of the UDC held primary elections in the Kgalagadi North constituency over the weekend for council and parliamentary hopefuls.
In an interview with Mr Noah Motshoge, the party’s elections’ returning officer, Mr Reason Lekhutlane emerged as the party’s representative for the parliamentary seat after receiving 813 votes, surpassing Mr Belmond Leitshamo’s 329 votes.
All 11 council wards were represented, with candidates in four wards running unopposed: Kang South, Ukhwi, Lokgwabe, and Tshane.
Despite some challenges such as the late arrival of ballot papers and other necessary materials, Mr Motshoge mentioned that the elections proceeded smoothly. However, there were delays in opening some polling centers, with a few opening at 10:00hrs.
He highlighted that no complaints had been registered so far from contestants regarding irregularities. He emphasised that any complaints within 31 days after polling would be duly addressed as per party process.
Mr Motshoge commended the contestants for their cooperation and urged them to set aside their differences to unite and challenge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the upcoming elections.
“Ke eletsa ma-Front gore re nne ngata e le nngwe, re kgone go emelana le dikgwetlho re tsepame mo maikanong a rona re kgone go bona phenyo.”
For his part, the UDC prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Lekhutlane expressed gratitude to the voters for their faith in his leadership and pledged to advocate for robust development in the constituency, focusing on areas like water supply, energy, healthcare facilities, roads, and communication infrastructure.
He promised to push for inclusive development initiatives aimed at improving the economic status of the constituency, citing the lack of energy infrastructure hindering constituents from benefiting from free electrification connections.
Encouraging support for the UDC in the general elections, Mr Lekhutlane described the party as committed to implementing programmes and projects that would enhance sustainable livelihoods in Kgalagadi.
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