Boko to decide on Moatlhodi, Bontshetse saga?
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday July 31, 2014 11:51
According to information reaching this publication, Maokaneng Bontshetse, who was initially chosen to contest in the elections has now decided to stand, despite initially demanding P300,000 as compensation from the party to allow Pono Moatlhodi to contest the elections.
Bontshetse, it is said, initially demanded compensation of around P300,000, the money that he said he used to campaign before Moatlhodi came into the picture. High-ranking insiders within the party yesterday said Bontshetse has abandoned his earlier demand for compensation.
Instead, the insiders alleged, he has now set his eyes on wrestling the constituency from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which will be represented by Thapelo Olopeng. Bontshetse is said to have met the party leadership made up of Vice President Same Bathobakae and secretary general Tapiso Kgosikoma in Gaborone last week Thursday where he turned down a proposal to pave way for Moatlhodi.
It is said that the party leadership told Bontshetse that Moatlhodi is a tried and tested politician and stands greater chance against Olopeng, while Bontshetse on the other hand said he also fancy his chances. Following Bontshetse’s refusal to pave way for the former BDP firebrand, the BNF leadership is said to have told him (Bontshetse) that Boko will in coming days decide who should contest the constituency at this year’s general elections.
Bontshetse yesterday refused to be drawn into discussing the matter with Mmegi when contacted for comment. “According to the party regulations I do not have the liberty to talk to the media. The subject you have raised is also a sensitive matter. So, should I comment, it has the potential to ruin my relationship with the party. I also cannot deny or confirm if there was such a meeting,” said Bontshetse.
When contacted still on Wednesday morning, Kgosikoma referred all inquiries to the party spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa who said he was not ready to comment or to be contacted in the afternoon. “I have just received the sad news regarding the death of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Secretary General Gomolemo Motswaledi. I am running around trying to prepare for a press conference to officially announce Motswaledi’s death to the media. I am not in a position to comment at the moment,” said the sad Mohwasa.
When Mmegi went back to Kgosikoma, he said he was not in position to talk to the media after being informed of the untimely death of Motswaledi in a road accident. “I am too distraught to field questions from the media,” he said in the afternoon. Several sources have however confirmed the last week Thursday meeting.