BCP ahead in Mahalapye West preps

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday August 30, 2012 00:00

 

The constituency fell vacant following the retirement of long time Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice-President Mompati Merafhe.

There is also going to be a council by-election at Tshikinyega Ward following the recent death in a car accident of incumbent councillor, Konopo Phillimon. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is yet to announce the dates for the by-elections.

Mmegi had been informed that at this juncture both the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have not yet announced the dates for primary elections to select their aspirants.

But the BCP have declared - through secretary general, Dr Kesetegile Gobotswang - that they will hold the primaries next week. Gobotswang said that the BCP has already received names from prospective candidates.'The deadline for receiving applications from those interested in contesting the by-election closed on Friday last week.

We have received two names - David Tshere and Bonang Mmopi - of those who want to contest for the Mahalapye West parliamentary seat. 'We have a single application (of Sekgome Sekgome) for the vacant council ward. 'At the moment we are busy with the vetting process and we hope it will be a process that will be completed timeously,' he said.

The primary elections to determine the final candidates who will contest the by-elections will be held during the first week of next month so that the BCP can begin preparations for the by-elections, Gobotswang further noted.

For his part, UDC and Botswana National Front (BNF) spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said:

'We are yet to identify the party that will contest the two by-elections. However, the BNF is keen to contest the primaries because we believe we have an impressive following in the wards under contention.

'We will approach the other parties that form the Umbrella to alert them about our interest. 'I believe a decision on who should contest the elections between the three Umbrella parties will be made within two weeks,' he said.On the other hand, BDP Executive Secretary Thabo Masalila said:

'We have received applications from those who want to contest the party primaries to win candidacy for the two by-elections. 'Although I cannot divulge their names I can confirm that there are several individuals who have submitted their applications to contest both parliamentary and council primaries.

'The vetting process by the party central committee will have been completed by next Monday. It is only after that when a date for the primaries and names of candidates will be unveiled,' he said.