Mogae, Nasha set by-election dates

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

The constituencies were left without Members of Parliament when Obakeng Moumakwa and Boyce Sebetela left to join the private sector late last November. 

The Botswana National Front secretary general, Mohammed Khan, says they are prepared to retain the constituency which Moumakwa won from the Botswana Democratic Party at the last election. 

At the same time, Minister of Local Government, Margaret Nasha, set the date for by-elections at Marulamantsi, Bodibeng in Ngami and Mokwena wards in Serowe. The Marulamantsi ward remained without a councillor after BNF councillor, Kabo Masole died during the festive season, while BDP's Amos Masite of Bodibeng died on December 16. Pelothomogi Gaosekwe of Mokwena ward died early this year.

Khan said that they are waiting for confirmation of candidates for the Palapye parliamentary constituency and the council wards. 

'The names will be confirmed either during the weekend or early next week,' Khan said.
Khan dismissed recent media reports that the BNF would be partnering with the Botswana Congress Party during the by-elections. 'There is nothing to that effect,' he said.
BDP Executive Secretary, Dr Comma Serema, was not available for comment. However, the party is still facing serious problems in Palapye after one of the candidates, Professor Sheila Tlou successfully protested after losing to Master Goya with a margin of six in last year's primaries. 

The BDP central committee is expected to meet Palapye voters today where there are reports of hostility between the candidates' supporters.

In Palapye, James Olesitse is representing BCP. In an earlier interview last month, BCP publicity secretary, Dumelang Saleshando revealed that their electoral partners will contest for Bodibeng/Bothatogo ward.