'Comrade' queries Tafa's registration

OARABILE MOSIKARE
Correspondent | Friday February 27, 2009 00:00

An objection against the registration of Tafa, popularly known as 'Comrade Moore' in political cirles, has been launched at the Magistrate's Court. Senior magistrate, Peggy Madandume has set down today to hear the objection filed by BNF activist, Chingombe Modikwa against Tafa.

Modikwa has applied for an order, 'that the name of one Elmon Mfanyana Tafa, who registered some time between 11 and to 31 August 2008 at Francistown South constituency, polling district No 83 Phillip Matante East, polling station 422 open space vending area Block 5, be removed from the roll because it was irregularly and unproceduraly included.

'That the person against whom an objection is made does not qualify to register as a voter at the same above constituency in terms of the Electoral Act,' says the objection.
Modikwa and Tafa will be allowed to lead evidence in support of the objection or opposition of the same.

Modikwa, who are BNF council candidate for Phillip Matante East Ward, says his grounds of objection is that the plot where the University of Botswana lecturer registered to vote is an industrial plot, not a residential area. Modikwa jokingly says the disputed plot is a habitat for 'snakes and rats'.

'Even if you could pay Tafa a visit at this plot you wouldn't find him,' he quipped, laughing at his former comrade.

Contacted for comment, Tafa dismissed the allegations of his 'irregular' registration as a mere campaign 'by Moupo faction in the BNF' who are hell-bent on 'tarnishing my reputation'. Tafa said he was ready to meet Modikwa in court.

He explained that when he registered as a voter at Francistown South, he was never asked to produce a plot number.

He said at the time of his registration, he was renting a house at 'the Blocks' and told the registration officer that he was staying in Gaborone most of the time.

Tafa was at a loss about how his former comrade, who invited him to stand for a parliamentary seat at Francistown South could be the one stabbing him in the back.

Tafa said his relationship with Modikwa in the BNF turned soured after he started questioning and opposing the leadership of BNF leader, Otsweletse Moupo in 2007.

'I am going to stand for elections whether Modikwa likes it or not,' Tafa promised.