UDC conflicts threaten Molepolole South stability
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 27, 2024 06:08
The issue stems from two candidates, Shima Monageng of the Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Dr. Tlamelo Mmatli of the Botswana National Front (BNF), who are both campaigning under the UDC banner.
Each claims to be the official UDC representative, resulting in conflicting messages to voters and the formation of separate campaign teams. This confusion is particularly problematic because the AP has been designated to contest Molepolole South on behalf of the UDC. As a result, the dual campaigns are undermining the UDC's strategy and confusing the electorate.
The conflict forced the UDC secretary for Molepolole South, Obakeng Mabutha, to write to the BNF asking the party to take action against Mmatli. “To resolve this, the UDC leadership must clearly communicate and coordinate to ensure their official candidate is recognised and supported by all coalition members, restoring unity and clarity for voters in Molepolole South,” the letter states.
A letter dated May 21, 2024 written by Mabutha says the AP has selected Monageng to be its candidate for the October polls, through a letter dated March 16, 2024. Furthermore, the letter stated it is highly regrettable that ever since the constituency was given to AP, Mmatli has been doing all in his power to work against the decision made by UDC.
“He was quoted in local newspapers stating that he will make sure that the decision of the UDC is reversed,” Mabutha says. Mmatli is steadfast and has even created campaign materials in the form of T-shirts, flyers, cards bearing his picture and categorically indicating that he is standing for Member of Parliament (MP) position in Molepolole South under the UDC ticket. Mabutha also revealed that Mmatli has a campaign team that has started to traverse the constituency clad in UDC regalia and furthermore, he has also lined up some BNF members to contest for council positions against the UDC selected aspiring council candidates. The constituency UDC secretary said there is volcanic situation in the constituency which is likely to erupt between the two groups belonging to Monageng and Mmatli, as they are likely to clash during the campaign.
In their letter, they stressed that Mmatli is also working with some members who had been suspended for indiscipline in order to confuse members. The UDC constituency committee recommended that proper action be taken against Mmatli and those whom they are working with since they are working against the decision made by UDC. In an interview on Thursday, Mmatli was adamant that he will be the UDC candidate come October. “I have not received any letter from the AP. What I know is that I will be contesting for elections as MP candidate for Molepolole South constituency under the UDC ticket,” he told Mmegi. “I would not comment on what the BNF is saying. Any correspondence that I am supposed to be served with will come directly to me.” However the BNF through its secretary-general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, maintained that Molepolole South has been allocated to the AP and they are the status quo remains. “Mmatli is not on our list as MP candidate for Molepolole South. As far as we are concerned there is only one MP candidate for that area chosen by the AP,” he said.
The political landscape in Molepolole South has been fraught with tension since the area was allocated to the AP by the BNF members. This discontent stems from the AP's perceived lack of activity and organisational presence in the region, especially following their performance in the 2019 general elections BNF members feel that the AP's minimal engagement and absence of established structures in Molepolole South undermine their claim to the area. Moreover, internal disagreements within the AP, including opposition to certain candidates like Monageng, have further complicated the situation, contributing to the ongoing unrest. Failure by party leadership to address internal problems within the UDC may cause confusion for candidates and that alone shows failure by party leadership to come up with conflict resolution measures.