Skelemani opponent not informed of primaries re-run

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday January 14, 2014 17:17

Mmegi has learnt that the committee, while having taken this unilateral decision, has not procedurally handled and investigated Foreign Affairs Minister Phandu Skelemani's protest against last year's Bulela Ditswe results. The sources, who are members of the committee, also stated that a letter to notify Billy of the decision made by the regional leadership, was hastily delivered to one of his business premises in his absence. This, they alleged, was done to correct procedural breakdown.

 They alleged that only the letter written by Skelemani was looked at and basing on his written queries, a decision for a re-run was reached.  'Nothing was ever done, even the discussions were very little. To add insult to injury even the returning officer Unity Dow was never informed of the appeal,' said the sources.  Billy was not even officially informed of Skeleman's protest.

'The regional committee is alleged to be pro-Skelemani so everything they have done concerning this matter is based on alignment to Skelemani not on merits on the case,' said an insider.

Contacted for comment, Billy confirmed that he has not been informed of the region's decision.  'I am not aware of any decision made concerning this matter, as I will be going to the protest hearing this coming Sunday,' Billy said.  He insisted that the dates for the appeal have been postponed to the coming Sunday, and not this past Sunday. 

He refused to comment further on the matter saying that would be against party procedures.  Francistown East regional chairperson Ford Moiteela also refused to comment until this matter has been settled.

 'I can't say anything about our decision until information reaches all concerned people. We tried to communicate with all candidates about each and every process we were doing,' he said.

He refuted allegations that they favoured Skelemani.