BDP organ reprieves Mmolotsi

OARABILE MOSIKARE
Correspondent | Wednesday July 9, 2008 00:00

 

Mmolotsi, who is a publisher and author, was vetted from contesting the marginal constituency for undisclosed reasons. The move had given the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) Khumongwana Maoto the thumbs-up to stand against Bahadzisi Maripe and retired army captain Godknows Robby, who are both considered minnows.

Molao told Mmegi that the Central Committee, the top policy making body, reversed its decision during Monday's meeting following Mmolotsi's appeal. He would not say why the CC vetted Mmolotsi in the first place. 'The Central Committee does not disclose its reasons. He [Mmolotsi] was not even given reasons why he was vetted,' said Molao.

Allegations were rife that he was barred after media reports that Mmolotsi allegedly sabotaged a rally addressed by BDP Deputy Secretary General Kentse Rammidi in the troubled constituency last year. The rally was reportedly a flop. It is alleged that the committee had attached a newspaper cutting to the letter sent to Mmolotsi when axed from the contest.

When pressed, Molao responded: 'I can't give details. It would be tantamount to divulging Central Committee decisions.' He also denied that BDP president Ian Khama was the one who had invalidated the CC decision, as alleged in some quarters.

Mmolotsi confirmed that he has been allowed to stand after his appeal. He said he was informed by telephone on Monday but has not yet received any correspondence on the basis of his appeal. He stated that he did not know why he was barred from contesting the primary elections. 'When the Central Committee vets you, it doesn't divulge its reasons. It (the reason) is confidential,' said the excited Mmolotsi.

It is believed that the earlier CC decision had the potential to stir trouble in the Francistown South constituency. A local newspaper recently reported that supporters loyal to Mmolotsi were likely to vote for the opposition if Mmolotsi was barred from the race.