Three barred from BNOC elections
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday September 18, 2021 06:00
The three are not eligible to vote after the International Olympics Committee (IOC) announced in April, the trio would not be part of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) public relations officer, Isaiah Ramontshonyana said they are aware of the developments. He said steps must be taken in accordance with local procedures to normalize the situation. Ramontshonyana said they are not part of the next Olympics, but it is the local membership that should suspend their voting rights not the BNOC board.
Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president, Mosimanegape Katlholo said they are still clarity from World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) regarding the right to vote.
The election date, which was supposed to be October 16, would be moved. Acting BNOC chief executive officer (CEO), Wedu Motswetla sent out a savingram to BNOC members on Wednesday informing them that the first announcement of the date of the BNOC general assembly is withdrawn.
“Following the general assembly’s resolution at the special general meeting held on September 9, 2021, to elect a new Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC), circular no. 31 of 2021 is withdrawn with all its contents,” the circular reads in part.
Motswetla said through the statement that a new schedule would be issued by the new NEC as soon as they assume the responsibility. But karate’s Ramotshonyana argues the board does not have the mandate to call elections.
“The BNOC savingram suggests that the new elections board would call the BNOC meeting, they do not have that mandate,” Ramontshonyana said.
At the BNOC extra ordinary general meeting held in May there was an apparent lapse. The national elections committee was elected in May 2017 and their mandate ended in May 2021. The board realised the mistake last week and convened a Special General Meeting (SGM) to nominate the committee. It is alleged that the board proposed that the committee should continue with their mandate and prepare for elections. But the members called for the committee to be nullified.
The previous committee comprised of Bob Lekan (chairperson), Annah Max, Apele Nthusang, Robert Maabong and Lesego Muzila.
For his part, Lekan told Mmegi Sport that he is not seeking a second chance in the committee.
The source said the board issued out a one-day notice for the SGM instead of the 21 days.
“They resolved to meet this week, which means it is another SGM. It is less than 21 days which means it is unconstitutional,” a source said.
The source argued that members should have noticed the error at the last extraordinary general meeting in May but they did not. Adding that the blame should not only be on the board.
BNOC president Botsang Tshenyego is seeking re-election. He faces stiff battle from former Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president, Tirelo Mokokomani and Ookeditse Malesu.
It remains unclear who will contest for senior vice president and first vice president positions. However, Botswana Athletics Association (BBA) president, Paphane Botlhale and Tshepo Sitale who is currently the senior vice president are alleged to be eyeing the positions. Reports are that former BAA president, Thari Mooketsi is also eyeing the vice president position. Incumbent first vice president, Moses Moruisi is not contesting.