Inside the BDP 2014 puzzle

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Wednesday May 1, 2013 00:00

BDP executive secretary Thabo Masalila confirmed yesterday that a huge number of members have shown interest in contesting in the party primaries, but would not reveal the candidates.

'At the moment we can't confirm who is who. It's confidential. There are many files and many more letters are pouring in,' he said.

He stated that the list would be passed on to the central committee, which will assess it and release the names to the public, as the date for primaries approaches. He added that the outcome of the delimitation commission would have an impact on the primaries.

Mmegi is reliably informed that former Minister of Trade and Industry, currently serving as Botswana's High Commissioner to Namibia, Duke Lefhoko is seriously fighting to win back Shoshong constituency, after the incumbent MP Phillip Makgalemele wrestled it from him in 2008. It is not clear whether there is a third contender, but Lefhoko's name is definitely giving Makgalemele sleepless nights. Makgalemele is particularly not helped by his defection to the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) in 2010.

Serowe South incumbent Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is reportedly facing an unquantifiable change from a former director in the Department of Information and Broadcasting, Sefane Phuthego, who is a political novice and therefore a dark horse.

In Mahalapye East, Botlhogile Tshireletso has to fend off at least four of her councillors - Neo Magowe (Mmaphashalala), who defected to the BMD before retracing her steps back to the BDP; Lazarus Lekgoanyana, a civic leader who challenged Tshireletso in 2008; Joseph Orebotse who will be reportedly throwing his name in the hat for the third time; and Taupye councillor Edward Maganana.

MP Mmoloki Raletobana of Kweneng South East is reportedly facing a challenge from President Ian Khama's 'best man', Duke Masilo. The challenger has recently become a regular on Btv news, the Daily News and Radio Botswana news bulletins.

In Kweneng East (Lentsweletau) incumbent Moeng Pheto is likely to face Lesang Magang of the Phakalane Golf Estate fame, and newcomer Vincent Seretse who has confirmed to this paper that he is interested in the constituency.  In the Thamaga constituency, incumbent Dr Reverend John Seakgosing is reportedly under serious threat from councillor Driver Motlokwa and two other unknown newcomers from neighbouring villages of Kumakwane and Mmankgodi.

In Ngwaketse South, incumbent Peter Siele is reportedly on his toes on account of a challenge by a much younger and vocal candidate whose name could not be confirmed at the time of going to press yesterday.

Unconfirmed reports are that former Francistown mayor Buti Billy is determined to topple incumbent Foreign Affairs Minister Phandu Skelemani. One or two more candidates also want in on the sparring.

In Tonota South President Ian Khama's 'second best man', Thapelo Olopeng will face Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Pono 'Tripple P' Moatlhodi. And the former has gone public about his ambition. He was reported to be making donations in the area forcing Triple P's pulse to race faster. It is not clear whether there are other contenders in the constituency.

BDP chairman Daniel Kwelagobe, who is the incumbent in Molepolole South is reportedly facing businessman and radio personality, Shima Monageng, yet again. Reports indicate that there is a leser known third contender in the mix as well.In Molepolole North Gatlhaetse 'GUS' Motlhabaphiri is likely to face yet another Kwelagobe, whose name has not been confirmed.

In Bobirwa, the incumbent Shaw Kgathi, a cabinet minister, is reportedly facing the wrath of councillor Boitumelo Sekwababe. A former employee of Debswana Diamond Mining Company is also mentioned as a potential contender. In Palapye, MP Moiseraele Goya faces competition from two other candidates.

In Tati East, businessman and MP, Guma Moyo who has skirted between the BDP and the BMD is likely to go unopposed, or will face a weak candidate.

Candidates opposing Slumber Tsogwane in Boteti South, Lebonaamang Mokalake in Boteti North, Rayner Makosha in Nata Gweta, and Prince Maele in Tswapong North, Odirile Motlhale in South East South, Olebile Gaborone in South East North, Mephato Reatile in Ngwaketse West have not been vocal about their intentions.

In Tswapong South, two cabinet ministers Dorcus Makgato-Malesu will lock horns with a colleague, Assistant Minister Oreeditse Molebatsi. Three other possible contenders have recently been mentioned in local newspapers though little is known about them.

In Gaborone South, it is not yet clear whether there will be a challenger for Kagiso Molatlhegi who snatched the constituency from the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF) in 2009 for the first time since it was gazetted in the early 1980s.

MP Robert Masitara in Gaborone West North is likely to get the surprise of his life when the list is finally released to the public while his counterpart in Gaborone West South Botsalo Ntuane's status is not clear.

There are reports that some cabinet ministers are likely to go unopposed.Efforts to get a comment from the chairperson of the BDP electoral panel, Parks Tafa proved futile at the time of going to press.