BNF meets to vet candidates

Isaiah Morewagae | Wednesday October 9, 2013 09:46

BNF spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said everything is going according to plan and preparations for the primaries have been smooth. 'The central committee will be meeting over the weekend to finalise the list of candidates who will be contesting the party primaries,' he said.

Of late rumours have been flying thick and fast that BNF is facing financial constraints. It is said the party's office equipment has been confiscated to recover debt. But Mohwasa asserted that preparations for the BNF primaries have proceeded without a hitch.

Party president, Duma Boko is unopposed in Gaborone West North, the same as treasurer Aubrey Lesaso in Shoshong and Mohwasa in Selebi-Phikwe West. Besides, members of the executive committee, current and former MPs appear to have earned themselves a free pass before the BNF primaries. This means MP Phillip Khwae in Kgalagadi South, John Toto of Kgalagadi South and former MP, Gordon Mokgwathi in Letlhakeng East are focusing on the general elections.

However, some candidates in the party's historical strongholds are not so lucky. They include Kanye South MP, Abram Kesupile who faces former District Commissioner, Geoffrey Serebolo in the BNF primaries and Filbert Nagafela who must do battle with his old rival, Jimmy Thukwi in Takatokwane.

In a surprising turn of events, veteran party activist Michael Mzwinila is not in the fray. The former MP made inroads in the BDP stronghold of Tonota in the last elections against deputy Speaker Pono Moatlhodi when he garnered 2,466 to the incumbent's 5,617. Party faithful would have expected him to contest in Tonota again but this is not the case.

His place has been taken by youthful sports administrator, Maokaneng Bontshetse.

A potentially interesting contest in the BNF primaries will be in Gaborone South where lawyer Meshack Mthimkhulu, veteran activists Joel Phalaagae, Murray Dipate and former Old Naledi councillor, Roy Mafunga will fight it out.

Then there is Kanye North where Kwenantle Gaseitsiwe will face Otlaadisa Koosaletse, Motsamai Motsamai and Keakolaope Ramosidi. In Ghanzi North, Ferdinand Kgosikoma takes on Noah Selekae.