Electoral board skeletons haunt BNF primaries

OLIVER MODISE
Staff Writer | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

Khan said this at a press conference organised by the party leadership yesterday in response to allegations of intensifying factional feuds that grip the party.

Khan said he regretted that the central committee had made an oversight to make an extension in the date for closure of nominations for primary elections candidates. He said that party members in some constituencies had called while others had written letters pleading that they did not have enough money to register while others were complaining that the party office sent notifications dates late.

'However, the constitution allows for the executive to take such a decision,' he said. He reiterated that the party leadership wanted to give the candidates time to raise the registration fees.

'We are not going to apologise because we did nothing to interfere,' said Khan. He disputed statements made by the former electoral board arguing that the board was not an independent body but a sub-committee.

He asserted that the role of the electoral board was to run and administer elections in consultation with the central committee.

'People have been flowing with personal views without making reference to the party constitution,' he complained.

The party's newly elected chairperson, Nonofo Kgafela announced that the party would conduct primary elections in the ten parliamentary constituencies that it currently holds.

She told members of the press that Isaac Mabiletsa (Kgatleng East), Gordon Mokgwathi (Letlhakeng East) and Reggie Reatile of Ngwaketsi West were unopposed. The primary elections in Gaborone West North will feature party president, Otsweletse Moupo against Maemo Bantsi. Akanyang Magama faces Tebogo Sebego at Gaborone South. In Lobatse, the party's parliamentary contest is a three horse race between MP Nehemiah Modubule, former MP and ex-Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president, Otlaadisa Koosaletse and long time Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) employee, Solomon Diphoko.

The weekend's elections extend to Kanye North and South, Letlhakeng West and South East North where the party vice president, Olebile Gaborone will battle it out with Alfred Matlapeng.

Meanwhile, Khan did not want to touch on the burning issue surrounding Lemogang Ntime's controversial candidacy for the Gaborone North constituency. Allegedly the party chairman, Bashi Sengwaketsi, Khan and other senior members of the party were dragged before a Gaborone North constituency meeting to explain Ntime's aspirations.

Ntime wants to challenge Gabriel Kanjabanga for the Gaborone North constituency. However, his arrival at the constituency has not been well received amid claims that he is not eligible to stand because he is not a member of the constituency.

When probed, Khan confirmed the constituency meeting but denied to go further. 'I can't disclose the nature of the issue,' he said.

Inside sources say Ntime and some representatives from the Gaborone North were reprimanded over their bid for candidature.