Modubule plans to rejoin BNF

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday February 18, 2010 00:00

The former BNF chairman was expelled by the party last year and made history when he became the first independent candidate to win a parliamentary seat. Now Modubule wants to make a comeback to his political home. Since his victory in Lobatse, BNF members have been calling for his return. Some even want him to contest the presidency of the party.

Modubule is waiting for the BNF congress in July to determine his political fate. 

'My intention is to go back to the BNF.  I am waiting for the congress.  I believe BNF members will resolve that I should go back,' he said. He has appealed to BNF members to debate his case and he hopes the outcome will be positive. He said as an independent MP, he can determine the balance of power in opposition ranks in Parliament.  The BNF has six MPs, while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has five.

Modubule said if he joins the BCP, the BNF will no longer be the Official Opposition in Parliament. He stated that the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) have tried to lure him.  'I told them that I have not given up on my former party.  I can only look for another political home after the July congress,' he said. He said the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has not approached him formally. He does not see any need for opposition parties to be poaching members from each other. He would like the BCP and BNF to merge or form an alliance.   Meanwhile, Modubule said he is enjoying his time as an independent MP.  He said as an independent MP, he does not debate issues based on party policies but by looking at the needs of the people.  He is happy that no party can take him to task for what he says or does, especially in Parliament. The only disadvantage, he said, is that there is no one to caucus with.  Modubule said he is only invited to the combined opposition caucuses.  But he does not attend the meetings where MPs for individual parties hold their caucus. Modubule said he is working with the BNF and BCP MPs.