Modisapodi speaks on BPP suspension

Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday July 31, 2019 14:10

TATI East UDC parliamentary candidate Matlhodo Modisapodi with UDC chairperson Motlatsi Molapisi during the manifesto launch in Maun PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG

On Friday, BPP - an affiliate of the UDC - announced that it has suspended Modisapodi not only from the party but also as candidate for Francistown East. Yesterday Modisapodi told Mmegi that she has not officially received a suspension letter from the BPP.

“As we speak, I am busy with my campaign activities. I am busy preparing for my launch, which is scheduled for next weekend,” Modisapodi said.

She maintained that the reported suspension from the party would not affect her candidacy for the general elections.

“I have been confirmed by the UDC as the candidate for Tati East and I will remain as such until the UDC has reversed its decision. The BPP does not have the powers to recall me.”

Modisapodi denied allegations during a recent meeting that she misled UDC president Duma Boko to believe that BPP party was only interested in at least only four wards in the Tati East constituency instead of nine of the 10 wards in the area (as per wishes of many BPP members). The BPP subsequently got four wards to contest at the next general elections. The said allegations led to her alleged suspension.

“At the meeting Boko wanted to know the wards we (BPP) will be contesting for based on the 60/40 percent rule applied in relation to the allocation of wards in the UDC. I named the four wards, which the BPP has been actively campaigning at in recent months. The other six wards went to our UDC partners as per the rules of allocation (which state that parties that will not be contesting the elections at a parliamentary level in a given area should get 60% of the wards),” Modisapodi said.

She added, “There was no malice (on my part) against the BPP at the meeting.”

There has been widespread speculation that Modisapodi does not have faith in the abilities of some BPP members, which is alleged to be the reason why she advocated for more wards in the area to be allocated to some BCP and BNF activists she supposedly perceives as stronger.