BNF SG likely to retain Mmadinare
Soon after successfully navigating the delicate terrain of constituency allocation, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) finds itself having to go through another precarious situation as some individual candidates seek to swap constituencies.
The latest development involves a tussle between the Botswana National Front candidates (BNF) and the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), as they jostle for position within the UDC’s finalised constituency map.
The BNF is reportedly willing to trade Goodhope/Mmathethe constituency, originally slated for its Chairperson, Patrick Molotsi, in favor of retaining its Secretary General, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa who recently moved to Mmadinare. However, the constituency has already been allotted to BPF, sparking intense negotiations.
The struggle intensifies as the BPF, while considering its options, eyes a more favorable constituency than Goodhope. Meanwhile rumor has it that the Chief Executive Officer of SKI Khama Foundation, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, has thrown a spanner in the works by expressing his interest to contest for the MP position in Goodhope/Mmathethe constituency.
Amid these developments, a source within the UDC has indicated that the BPF is lobbying for more competitive constituencies such as Tonota, Shoshong, or Shashe West, arguing that Goodhope lacks a sufficient support base for their party.
Meanwhile names of potential BPF candidates eying Mmadinare have also emerged, inciting further speculation. Allegedly, figures such as Loeto Porati, Elanoh Moseki, and Jacob Mosimanyana are said to be in contention for the constituency. However, it’s important to note that despite the talks of swapping constituencies, no concrete decisions have been reached yet.
BPF’s spokesperson, Lawrence Ookeditse, acknowledged Kaboeamodimo’s interest in contesting for Goodhope/Mmathethe but refrained from commenting on the swapping request, suggesting that the UDC would reveal any further developments at the right time, if any.
As the behind-the-scenes political drama unfolds, the UDC finds itself navigating a tough terrain, caught in the crossfire of internal power struggles and constituency wrangling.
However, UDC’s Head of Communications, Moeti Mohwasa, remained tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations, stressing that any such decision would be a matter to be resolved among the concerned parties.