The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Francistown West primary election loser, Whyte Marobela, says he is ready to bury the hatchet and make peace with the BDP provided the Central Committee listens to his appeal as per court order.
Marobela took the BDP to court last year on what he deemed as irregularities during the controversial BDP primary elections in the Francistown West Constituency and won his case.  
The court ordered that the Central Committee should listen to his appeal. Failure by the BDP Central Committee to listen to his appeal in time cost the BDP as it was barred from fielding its candidate, Ignatius Moswaane from participating in the Francistown West by-election.
Only two opposition parties, Botswana Congress Party (BCP) represented by Dr Habaudi Hubona, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) represented by Shathiso Tambula party and two independent candidates, Joseph Mabutho and Kago Phofuetsile participated in the by-election.
It was won by Dr Hubona of the BCP who made history as the first female Member of Parliament (MP) from an opposition party.
Marobela said he has always been ready to resolve the issue with the BDP.
“I am ready to sit down with the Central Committee because this conflict is costing the party. We need to close the chapter. Like I have always said I am not at war with the BDP and I hate to see the BDP engulfed in court battles,” he said.
He took issue with the BDP’s Central Committee for calling fresh primary elections without his involvement despite the court order.
“I am disappointed that the BDP never consulted me before they made a decision to call fresh primary elections despite a court order at hand. I believe it was premature for them to make such a decision. I am ready to strike a common understanding with them for the interest of the party. BDP is a party that I hold close to my heart,” he said.
He however said that the Central Committee had agreed to meet him so that they could resolve their differences.
Marobela said that he remains a staunch member of the BDP and would love to see harmony prevailing in the party ahead of the general polls.
He however would not disclose if he would stand for the upcoming fresh primary elections if he resolves his issue with the Central Committee.
Marobela expressed concern that the BDP was getting detracted by court battles, saying this trend could destroy the party.
“It is high time that BDP avoids court battles because they can be costly to the party and could be destructive. I believe that issues should be resolved before they go to court,” he said.
