Mosinyi emerges as front-runner in by-election
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday February 18, 2016 15:57
The by-election will seek to replace the late former UDC councillor, Shadreck Nyeku, who collapsed and died during a party meeting late last month.
Although the UDC has not officially invited expression of interest for those who want to contest the primaries in order to book a ticket to the by-election, it has emerged that Mosinyi has been strongly positioning himself for the primaries.
“He has informed some party members about his desire to contest the primary elections.
Mosinyi has been more open about his ambition to challenge the party primaries than others who are interested.
“He has also informed his wife who has given him the go ahead to contest the primaries,” said a high-ranking party insider yesterday who described Mosinyi as a highly revered figure at Phillip Matante East.
Indications are that Mosinyi, who is in the transport business, is likely to face a host of challengers at the party primaries.
Veteran party activist, Kedibonye Malinga, is also reportedly interested in the party primaries so is Dimpho Phirinyane. Tapa Nyepi, who was among key members in Nyeku’s campaign team for the 2014 general elections, is also said to be toying around with the idea of contesting the party primaries.
The list of members who want to challenge for the UDC primaries is likely to soar with unconfirmed reports that Omphile Mazebedi and Matshidiso Morebodi are also interested in challenging for the elections.
Mazebedi and Morebodi were not readily available for comment at the time of going for print.
Yesterday Mosinyi, who is also a former Debswana employee, would not deny or confirm that he is positioning himself for the primaries.
“I believe it will be premature to discuss anything pertaining to the primaries or looming by-election.
“As per protocol we have to wait for the party leadership to officially invite those who want to contest primaries to express their interest. That is when I can confirm or deny my candidacy for the primaries,” said Mosinyi.
Phirinyane shot down speculation that she wants to contest the primaries while Malinga said that she is still undecided.
In addition Nyepi said that she would not comment on the party primaries before the party leadership has issued a writ for the primary elections.
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) is expected to back the UDC as the UDC and BCP recently agreed that they would work together during by-elections. Between the BCP and UDC the least popular party within a respective constituency or ward supports the popular party. The BCP does not enjoy a huge following in the Phillip Matante East ward.