Mmegi

sport Letshwiti could run unchallenged 40

Incumbent: Letshwiti. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Incumbent: Letshwiti. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The Botswana Football Association (BFA)’s election rules could leave incumbent president, Maclean Letshwiti, as the solo runner in a contest scheduled for September 14.

On Tuesday this week, the BFA Electoral Committee chairperson, Moemedi Letina, reminded BFA affiliates that the general guidelines issued with the election nomination forms are to be adhered to by both the aspirants and their supporting members. In a correspondence released on Tuesday and seen by MmegiSport, Letina told the 17 regional structures, the Botswana Premier League (BPL) and the women's football committee that they are not allowed to nominate more than one aspirant. This comes amidst the report that the Letshwiti camp is almost guaranteed nomination from all the regions. "Therefore, the Electoral Committee resolved to clarify and emphasise that each member (being a BFA Full Member) may present a declaration of support for only one candidate and may not nominate or support another candidate for the same position," part of the letter reads.

The number of votes for this year's poll has been reduced by almost half compared to the last elective BFA General Assembly in 2020. The development comes after the BFA granted the Botswana Football League (BFL) autonomy in 2021. The BFA has since reversed its decision and taken back the autonomy but Premier League and First Division clubs will still have only two votes during the election. The aspirants are now left with 38 nomination slots to battle for as voters face the wrath of the law for backing more than one aspirant in one position. "In light of the foregoing, take note that should a BFA member show a declaration of support for more than one aspirant/candidate for the same position, that member may be liable for sanctions for being [in] violation of the obtainable electoral principles that seek to safeguard the elections process," Letina said through the correspondence.

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Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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