Following the lapse of the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) deadline for expression of interest to hold public office yesterday, the party remains tight-lipped on the list of candidates for the primaries. 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.
Full Article: Mmegi Online :: Inside the BDP 2014 puzzle.
