30 Oct 2016

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has retained the Kalakamati ward following the Saturday bye-election.

BDP’s Mr Zibani Mbalambi garnered 579 votes while Mr Madumela Matebu’s of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) managed 445 votes.

In a post-election interview, Mr Mbalambi expressed gratitude at what he said was the ward residents’ confidence on his potential as a leader.

He said he would, together with the Tati West MP, Mr Biggie Butale, under whose constituency the ward falls, join hands and work tirelessly to draw developments to the area.

Conceding defeat, Mr Matebu said voters had made clear their wish to have Mr Mbalambi lead them.

Mr Matebu, however, lauded his team for a spirited campaign.

Kalakamati ward seat fell vacant in August after the death of Councillor Israel Samu of the BDP.

Over the weekend’s bye-election, a total of 1033 votes were cast; nine of which were spoilt.

In the 2014 general elections, 1234 votes cast, out of which the BDP won 556 while 434 and 219 had gone to the UDC and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) respectively.

Mr Never Mogapi then represented the BCP, which this time around rallied behind the UDC. ENDS