Representatives of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) participating in ongoing negotiations within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) for the distribution of council wards reportedly left a meeting recently, insisting on their demand for a greater allocation of wards in GaMmangwato, as per The Patriot on Sunday.

According to sources, the UDC negotiating factions had to halt the conclusion of the wards allocation this week due to BPF's insistence on acquiring the majority of wards in GaMmangwato. This substantial demand from the BPF delegation is said to stem from pressure exerted on the BPF leadership by dissatisfied regions regarding the outcomes of UDC constituency sharing.

"BPF is pressuring the negotiations with proposals to secure a significant share of wards in Serowe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Shoshong, and Bobirwa constituencies. The BPF's demands are driven by its conflict with BNF over the allocation of Tonota and Shoshong constituencies, which were given to BNF. BPF wants them," a source stated.

However, other UDC parties such as BNF, AP, and BPP reportedly rejected BPF's proposal for a majority allocation of wards in GaMmangwato, potentially testing the unity of the UDC.

Last week, members of the BPF Mahalapye West constituency expressed concerns, stating that they would not support a UDC candidate in the constituency and instead would vote for any other serious party. This dissatisfaction arises from the constituency being allocated to the UDC, with incumbent MP David Tshere expected to represent the coalition. Sources suggest that the BPF might take disciplinary action against such members.

In a letter addressed to BNF Regional and Constituency Secretaries, BNF Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa admitted challenges in negotiating ward allocation, citing ambiguity in the guidelines. UDC previously announced the conclusion of constituency sharing talks but deferred the ward allocation process until further guidance is provided.

BPF Publicity Secretary Amogelang Mokwena clarified that ward negotiations were postponed not due to BPF's demands for more wards, indicating their commitment to the UDC project. Mokwena stated that despite some discontent expressed by members, BPF has no intention to withdraw from the UDC.

Political commentator Kitso Morekisi suggested that UDC should have enlisted an independent or neutral panel to assist in resolving the allocation of wards and constituencies to minimize conflicts. He highlighted the high tension among UDC negotiating partners, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation processes post-negotiation to promote unity within the coalition.