Lotlamoreng staying put - UDC
Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday July 22, 2016 13:26
Recent political rallies held in the constituency by presidential affairs and public administration minister, Eric Molale had fuelled speculation that Lotlamoreng is on his way out and that Molale may be preparing for a possible by-election.
Molale’s rallies in four settlements over the holidays have angered opposition members as well as some members of his party in the constituency. Opposition members have been fuming on social media that Molale is campaigning because Lotlamoreng is unwell, something they say is inhuman as he seeks to take advantage of Lotlamoreng’s health condition.
UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said Lotlamoreng has no intention of abandoning his constituents. “We know the BDP wants that constituency badly and are desperate to take it from him, but he is not going anywhere,” he said.
Mohwasa said they are not even bothered by Molale’s campaign antics as Barolong have made it clear that they no longer want the BDP.
Mohwasa said they understand the BDP wants the constituency to be able to include Molale in their succession plan and that they will stoop to their lowest to achieve what they want. Mohwasa would not be dragged into discussing anything relating to the health of Lotlamoreng stating that they will do so at a later stage if the need arises and having followed protocol.
In his words, Molale said the rallies were an opportunity to interact with their voters regularly instead of interacting with them during election time. The minister donated blankets during the political rallies which were also given wide coverage by the state media.
The BDP secretary general Botsalo Ntuane has since said the party has 20 liaison Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been tasked with taking government programmes to the people in opposition held constituencies.
“Opposition MPs do not take programmes to the people. Molale is a liaison MP for Borolong that is why he is holding the meetings,” he said.
It is not the first time Lotlamoreng has made news concerning his position. Early this year speculation was rife that he would defect to the ruling party or quit to give Molale another shot at the constituency.
Lotlamoreng rubbished the reports. He however admitted that attempts were made by BDP operatives to recruit him into their party.
Lotlamoreng won the constituency last year against Molale in a by-election following the resignation of James Mathokgwane. The latter beat Kitso Mokaila in the 2014 general elections.