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.
MmegiSport has been reliably informed that Letshwiti and his camp have taken all the nomination spots leaving the rival camp with limited options. Letshwiti is expected to face off against former Notwane president, Tebogo Sebego, for the third consecutive time. Sebego had late last month announced his candidature as he eyes a return to the seat he held between 2012 and 2016. But Sebego's chances now appear slim as he faces disciplinary action for misconduct. He argues the charges are trumped up and meant to sideline him from the race. The submissions for declaration of candidature opened from June 6 until June 25. The vetting process will then begin from July 3 and the initial candidate list and the appeal process will follow through while the final candidate list is to be availed on July 29. Letina through the letter, further said police clearance reports and fingerprints should be submitted before June 25 and the documents should be no older than three months. Seven positions are up for grabs being that of the president, first vice president, second vice president, women's representative, and three additional members.
