26 Mar 2023

 The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has won the Bosele council ward by-election, wrestling the area from Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) after 25 years.

The by-election, which was held over the weekend, saw UDC through its candidate Mr Mpule Maplanka winning the ward by 340 votes, followed by BDP’s Isaac Moseki with 310 votes. 

Botswana Congress Party, represented by Mr Kgomotso Kaelo, came third with 228 while newly formed Botswana Labour Party received 13 votes and independent candidate, Mr Montsho Molomo trailed behind with eight votes.

On behalf of the winner, Diphetogo ward councillor, Mr Tshepi Moloko, appreciated Bosele electorate for heeding the UDC call.

“We are not surprised by the win. We expected it because we could see on the ground during our campaigns that residents of the ward wanted a change and I promise them that, through their new councillor, UDC will fight for their needs”, he said.

Mr Moloko urged the residents to work closely with their councillor, advising him to also be close to the people to know their needs as promised during campaigns.

“In the past, residents have complained that councillors abandoned them after being voted, but we will make sure that does not happen,” he said.

Mr Moloko cited their priorities in the ward as storm water drainage, which he said was poor as well as advocacy for streetlights as the area was dark, thereby making it unsafe.

Meanwhile returning officer, Ms Grace Seitshiro, said election went well with little challenges.

“Although the Bosele polling station had a few incidents here and there, it was nothing we could not handle,” she said.

Ms Seitshiro said the polling station, also being the counting centre, had an influx of voters who continued hanging around after voting, thereby causing congestion at the entrance.

She, however, said all the candidates accepted the results. 

She also advised Batswana in general to take elections seriously as it gave them a chance to elect leaders they preferred.

“At Bosele ward we expected 1 773 voters, but only 911 turned up, which is about 46 per cent. This should be a case for concern,” she said.

The ward fell vacant after the demise of BDP councillor, Ms Thabanyane Mmualefhe in January this year. Ends