Independent joins Matante East race

Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday March 30, 2016 16:50

Modikwa will again go solo in the by-election billed for April 23.  The by-election at Phillip Matante East seeks to find a councillor to replace the late Shadreck Nyeku who died towards the end of January.

Modikwa will face Uyapo Nyeku of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) Peter Nare. “Yes, I have decided to challenge for the by-election because I fancy my chances,” Modikwa said.

“I began my campaigns recently and things are looking good.

“I am well-known in the ward and Francistown South at large, which is why I am contesting the by-election.”

Modikwa attracted 70 voters in the 2014 general elections in which he lost to the late Nyeku who garnered 554 votes. The BDP, which was represented by Bridget Masalila, attracted 418 votes in the same elections.

Another Phillip Matante East 2014 general election’s candidate, Bonnye Kgosiemang has indicated that he will not contest the upcoming by-election and has chosen to join the ruling BDP. Kgosiemang contested the 2014 general election under the MELS Movement of Botswana banner where he attracted a paltry 37 at the elections.

“After a thorough assessment on the ground, I feel that it is not viable to challenge the elections. There is stiff competition between the BDP and the UDC at Matante East, which is why I have chosen not to contest the by-elections.

“Both parties have fairly strong structures in Francistown South, which is why winning against any of them is highly improbable,” he said. He added: “I joined the BDP recently following recruitment by influential party members and will lobby my supporters to vote the BDP to strengthen our chances of winning the ward.” BDP Francistown South Branch chairperson Ford Moiteela confirmed that Kgosiemang had joined the ruling party.

“We will officially welcome him at the launch of our candidate early next month,” Moiteela said.