Boko victorious; elected BNF president

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday July 22, 2010 00:00

 

In the election, held in Mochudi, Boko sailed through to the presidency with 793 votes, shrugging off party veteran Conference Lekoma who got 10 votes, whilst former BNF youth president Gabriel Kanjabanga garnered 40 votes.

Most members of Boko's lobby group were voted into the central committee, with Isaac Mabiletsa acquiring the vice-presidency, Akanyang Magama (639) beating incumbent secretary general Mokgweetsi Kgosipula (199) to the post. On the other hand University of Botswana academic Dr Nono Kgafela-Mokoka (644) beat Kanye South MP Abram Kesupile (146) to the deputy secretary general seat. The chairman is former mayor Harry Mothei who trounced incumbent Bashi Sengwaketsi and Radipate Mhiemang in the contest.

The publicity secretary post was retained by Moeti Mohwasa after beating Tiro Sebina. Former MP Michael Mzwinila proved he was a political powerhouse after thrashing Olefile Moumakwa with a convincing margin. He got 730 votes to Moumakwa's 107 votes. The treasurer is Aubrey Lesaso, whilst international affairs secretary is MP Reggie Reatile and labour affairs is represented by Maemo Bantsi.

In his maiden speech, president Boko promised that his leadership will work hard to ensure that the BNF becomes a ruling party in waiting. They will soon select a shadow cabinet, which will be prepared to take over power when the BDP keels over in 2014, he said.

The young leader also emphasised that the party will capacitate its councillors and MPs to empower them to contribute positively towards debates.They will engage talented and skilled BNF members, like lawyers to provide technical assistance to the representatives. This will enable them to approach complex issues with authority and ensure that the movement serves the people in totality.

Regarding opposition unity, Boko said first they will concentrate on strengthening the party from within so that when they cooperate with others they do not risk being swallowed up especially if they are weak. Meanwhile the new leader said the party will move down south to Lobatse where independent MP Nehemiah Modubule, an expelled member of the BNF joined the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) last week. The BNF's move to the constituency is seen as an effort to arrest a possible massive defection by its membership, some of whom are feared will likely follow Modubule to the new party. 'On Saturday we will go to Lobatse and tell the people there that BNF is not one person but a people's organisation with a lot of people.

From there we will go to our traditional constituencies especially those wrestled from us by the BDP to ensure we bring them back to the BNF,' he said.

Most importantly, Boko told the congress that as the central committee they are comrades and should not use the power relationship to favour themselves or friends or abuse party property.

'We are here to do party work. When Boko goes out, he doesn't go with the party keys. When we go wrong you must tell us to shape up,' he said.