AP denies BPF alliance claims
Lebogang Mosikare | Thursday July 25, 2019 09:51
When Mmegi contacted former Francistown Mayor, James Kgalajwe, who has since defected to the BPF following his loss to incumbent Francistown East Member of Parliament, Buti Billy to get an update on preparations for the general elections, the publication got more than a mouthful.
Kgalajwe said that the BPF managed to identify council candidates who will represent it in six Francistown East constituency wards save for one ward.
He also said that they have entered into what one may label as a “marriage of convenience” with the AP not to field a council candidate in Central ward because the AP candidate, Lillian Griesmeir stands a very good chance to win.
Central ward has been in the hands of Ephraim Maiketso of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) for the last 10 years.
The BCP is now a contracting party under the Umbrella for Democratic Party (UDC).
However, Maiketso would not be able to defend the seat for the third time after he did not avail himself for the council and parliamentary seat.
The UDC was supposed to be represented by Lucky Kedumetse Tlangae who pulled out of the race at the eleventh hour last week following some alleged differences with some UDC members in the constituency.
Kgalajwe said: “Following consultations with the AP, we have decided not to field a council candidate in Central ward in order to give the AP candidate the chance to win the ward during the upcoming general elections. The AP candidate has a very good chance of winning the ward as opposed to other opposition candidates. Griesmeir has a very good chance of defeating Sam Masunga of the BDP”.
Kgalajwe’s words may reinforce perceptions that the BPF was just formed to remove the BDP from power following bitter fallout between former bosom brothers now turned archrivals President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Ian Khama.
However, Griesmeir refuted Kgalajwe’s claim that the AP has entered into any working relationship with the BPF.
She said: “The AP has not entered into any coalition with the BPF. I am hearing this from you. I am busy with my house-to-house campaigns to make sure that I emerge victorious after votes are counted after the general elections. In fact, the AP has not entered into any coalition with any opposition party to contest the elections as a bloc”.