Of all the battles for the control of the ruling party, the contest between Nkate and Motswaledi already promises to be full of action. The race for this position became more pronounced recently when the incumbent, Daniel Kwelagobe announced that he would not defend his position at the next party congress.

The race will definitely attract a lot of attention within the BDP especially since the party is battling to do away with factions that have bedeviled the party for a long time. The battle pits former factional leaders of the party's main factions.

Nkate has been a known factional leader of the dominant Nkate-Merafhe (A-Team) whilst Motswaledi played a crucial role in the marginalised Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe (Barataphathi) faction as a strategist for many years.

The two are very good debaters whose contribution cannot go unnoticed and they have made public appearances for the party at different fora. Perhaps, the only thin line that divides the duo is their factional beliefs, which of late have been dwindling following realignments of forces within the BDP circles.

Although anything can happen, currently Nkate and Motswaledi are the only known interested parties for the important position and their supporters have also been widely selling them.

Nkate needs no introduction to BDP politics given his history. He gained popularity through the ranks of the party during his days as a practising attorney. He was then active in the Bobirwa-Mmadinare-Selebi-Phikwe (BOMASE) region. He has served in the BDP central committee in different capacities for 10 years and is the current Education Minister.

He confirmed to Mmegi yesterday that he would be contesting for the secretary general position next year. "I think I have a long experience in the BDP politics and I strongly believe I can deliver," said Nkate. Although Nkate indicated that it is not for him to judge whether he can deliver diligently or not once elected, he said as a visionary leader, he would continue adding value to the BDP.

" I think given my energy and as the vibrant person that I am, my contribution to BDP politics, will continue to be valuable," he added. He however, hoped that the people would judge him accordingly as he continues to serve in the BDP central committee.

Like Nkate, Motswaledi needs no introduction to BDP politics as he has been all over the show serving the party in various capacities. He is a former chairman of the BDP youth at a time when the party was bitterly divided by factions.

Although his hand was not visible in the BDP factional wars in most cases, he played a crucial role as one of the master strategists behind the scenes. He is currently chairman of the Gaborone region and his name appears in a list of BDP politicians billed to contest by-elections at the Serowe North West constituency when Vice President Ian Khama takes over from President Festus Mogae whose term ends in 2008. Motswaledi has previously served in the culture and publicity sub-committee of the BDP central committee. He was also in the party strategic committee in the last general elections.

Already his supporters are adamant that Motswaledi is the right man for the job. Yesterday, Motswaledi sounded a bit cagey when quizzed about his interest. He admits it is not a bad idea that there are people who are interested in seeing him in the lead.

"I recall once before failing to disapprove suggestions by Mmegi newspaper of my interest to contest for a by-election in the Serowe North West constituency in 2008. I will be misrepresenting myself if I hitherto apply my mind to these," he said yesterday. He however, observed that this does not suggest that other embellishments along the way would simply be discarded.

His confidantes, who started selling him this week have confirmed their man is in the race. Mmegi can also confirm that Motswaledi has started talking about his interest in some quarters, especially after he was assured of support.