Mochudi East by-election for April 21

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday March 9, 2018 22:28

The by-election will be held on April 21.

The parties are not clear whether they will hold primary elections for the by election, or have a consensus candidates.

But time is no longer on their hands since they are only left with one week since on March 23, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is supposed to receive nomination of candidates for the by-election at Bakgatle Junior Secondary School in Rasesa. 

The post became vacant after the death of area MP. Isaac Davids who was allegedly fatally stabbed by his two farm hands. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is said to be planning to have Moagi Molebatsi as a candidate.

“We are meeting the members of Botswana National Front (BNF) this week to decide on the matter. It will be up to members to decide whether they want a consensus candidate or primaries. Currently, we do not have the name of the person who will represent the party,” BNF secretary general Moeti Mohwasa said.

Even though Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has not yet decided also on the candidate, some in the area believe that Mpho Moruakgomo would be the right candidate to represent the party.

“This time Moruakgomo is not showing much interest like before. The constituency is still talking to other people as well so that the issue of primaries be avoided,” the source said.

BDP communication chairperson, Lesedi Dintwe confirmed that the party has not received any name for the candidate and the regional is handling the matter. 

In the 2014 general elections, Davids, then representing BNF of the UDC, won with 6,824 votes against Moruakgomo’s 5,941. The then incumbent, Isaac Mabiletsa of the Botswana Congress Party was voted by 4,528 people.