The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Central Committee yesterday (Monday) gave Member of Parliament (MP) for Tswapong North, Prince Maele, MP for Gaborone West North, Robert Masitara, MP for Palapye, Moisiraele Goya and former MP, Robert Molefhabangwe, the green light to contest the primary elections after the branch committees had issued cautions against them, The Gazette has learnt.
Maele’s dedication in his constituency has been questioned by the branch committee. Information reaching The Gazette is that he is seen as someone who puts his interests ahead of those of the party. He is allegedly shunning the councillors who did not rally behind him after he took office in his constituency in 2009. The branch committee is said to have invited him to several meetings but he has not honoured even one of them.
Palapye candidate, Goya, was vetted out completely by the branch committee. He is being accused of not consulting with the branch committee in whatever he does in his constituency. He escaped by a whisker as he was vetted in by the Central Committee.
The incumbent in Gaborone North, Masitara, is not a favourite candidate in his constituency; he is said to have addressed only two ward meetings since taking office, something that did not go down well with the branch. He is also accused of clashing with his potential as well distributing fliers depicting his opponent, Benny Stegling, as an enemy of the BDP.
Molefhabangwe seems to be the least trusted man within the BDP ranks. His bid to make a political comeback might be restored. He was expelled from the Botswana National Front (BNF) with several other members of the BNF almost half a decade ago. The recent vetting by the BDP Central Committee has given him the green light to tussle with Masitara in the primaries.
Meanwhile, the BDP acting executive secretary, Lee Lesetedi said he could not comment on the outcome of the vetting process at the time of the interview on Monday, but could only do so during the course of the week.