Bulelwa Ditswe tremors continue

Isaiah Morewagae | Friday February 21, 2014 17:38

Mmegi has learnt that some of the losing parliamentary candidates are planning to join forces and challenge Tshireletso.

Tshireletso, who is also the Assistant Minister of Local Government, retained the constituency with 1,634 votes, followed by Neo Magowe with 887 votes, Lazarus Lekgoanyana 654, and Edward Moganana with 195 votes. Another candidate was Earnest Nthobelang.

A source close to the development alleges that Magowe is set to resign from the BDP and stand as an independent.

Even the party’s efforts to try and talk to Magowe, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Mahalapye Sub district council, fell on deaf ears.

“A meeting will be convened soon where Magowe will be unveiled to represent those who feel cheated by Tshireletso’s win,” source says.

Magowe has however not confirmed his possible exit except to acknowledge his discontent.

The discontent in the constituency was further exacerbated by the fact that letters of grievances by some of the losing candidates did not reach the central committee on appeal.

“Most of the letters did not reach the central committee and they are of the opinion that Tshireletso has something to do with it as she sits on the committee,” source said.

Contacted for comment, Moganana was worried that the party in the constituency was in disarray.

He said if the BDP leadership does not do something urgently, the party might find itself counting losses in the general elections.

“My advice to fellow democrats is that all people who feel aggrieved should be listened to. Let people present their cases and stand or fall on merit,” Moganana said.

He confirmed hearing rumours that losing fellow candidates were on the verge of joining forces to nominate Mogowe to stand as an independent with their support.

For his part Mogowe confirmed his unhappiness in the way things unfolded. He added that even opposition parties such as the Umbrella for Democratic Change and the Botswana Congress Party are courting him.

“Yes I am aware of the rumours that some of my electorates and even other losing parliamentary candidates want me to stand as an independent.

But I am yet to make a decision on that; as things stand I am a member of the BDP,” Mogowe said.