I�m Not So Desperate For Presidency � Molefhi
Onalenna Kelebeile | Monday May 29, 2017 16:09
Molefhi is challenging Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the party chairmanship. Addressing party members in BOMASE region recently Molefhi said that once elected chairman he will relinquish his ministerial position so that he can have ample time to revive party structures which are the party’s strength.
He said having active party structures would place the party in a good position to face the opposition.
“There are some people who think that by resigning as a minister means that I am eyeing the Presidency.
Why would I want to become the president of a party with weak structures? I am not so greedy for power that I can seek for presidency. What would I benefit from being a president of a party under threat of becoming an opposition?” he wondered.
He said if there are issues regarding 2019 general elections, members should leave them to their right time and not be allowed to cause disturbances now.
He also dismissed rumours that he is in possession of a constitution of a new party that he intended to register after the party congress in Tonota in July. “My dream is to see BDP remaining in power not I becoming the President. There is no how a chairman can overthrow the President.
I am not a power hungry individual, but I want the party to have value and for it to become attractive to all and I can only bring that change when given a position to execute such.”
He added that it is not enshrined in the party constitution that the vice president can become the party chairman and said there are clear distinctions of the two demanding roles.
“Ga ke nyatse Masisi by challenging him for the chairmanship because the constitution boldly clarifies the succession and responsibilities between chairmanship and presidency,” he said.
There are also reports that Molefhi has been approached by President Ian Khama to step down from the chairmanship race which he boldly turned down. It is also reported that Molefhi consulted Khama last year on his intentions to contest for the party chairmanship, but was not given any feedback, hence he decided to start his campaigns late.
Molefhi, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development and MP for Selebi-Phikwe East, said the BDP is the party of equal opportunities where nobody’s membership supercedes any other’s and said everyone is free to run for any position.
He also added that the fact that reconciliation is eluding the BDP members even after 55 years of existence is a sign that something is not done right.
He added that holding different views is democratic but said it must be done with respect and dignity.
“It is a pity when leaders are the one sowing seeds of discord among fellow democrats.
Do not forget people on the ground on your way up because you need them to support the ladder for you when you go down,” he said.
Molefhi said it is not wise for party members to clash over something that is very clear in the party constitution.
“Nobody is going to oppose Masisi’s ascension to the Presidency because the constitution is clear,” he said.
He stressed that elections are not meant to do anybody a favour but are enforced by the constitution.
Molefhi was overcome by emotions midway through his address, something that seemed to unsettle his supporters. Mmadinare constituency also pledged their unwavering support for him and his camp is dominant in the constituency.
Francistown regional chairman Baemedi Medupi who was Masisi’s campaign team member in 2015 also announced that his region is fully behind Molefhi.
He said the current opposition needs a very intact ruling party.
During question and comment time, party members said it disheartens them to see the party performing dismally even during by-elections.
“If leaders want to review the party constitution they are free to do so but not at a time when it will suit somebody,” said one attendant.