Hukuntsi — The Botswana Democratic Party candidate, Victor Motobake, defeated Botswana National Front's Phillip Khwae in the Kgalagadi North by-elections held over the weekend.

Motobake garnered 3121 while Khwae got 2971, which is a margin of 150 while 96 were spoilt.

A total of 6188 people cast their votes in the hotly contested constituency. Although voting started early on Saturday, the results were not confirmed until yesterday afternoon after a marathon of counting and cross checking.

Motobake congratulated Khwae for giving him a tough battle. "It was a tight race but I was confident I will win" he said.

He promised to work hard for the constituency and help bring a better life to its people. "I will also make sure that in the coming election the BDP keeps this constituency," he promised.

Meanwhile Khwae, on accepting the results, congratulated Motobake on his victory. However he urged the Independent Electoral Commission to use returning officers who are much more informed about procedure. "It is important that an officer consults with all relevant stakeholders on such issues as spoilt ballot papers. This will keep everyone on the same page during the process" he said.

The Kgalagadi North seat fell vacant after the BNF MP, Obakeng Moumakwa, resigned to join the private sector. In the 2004 general elections Moumakwa won the seat with a slim margin of 77 votes, ahead of Mokgelele 'Zol' Moapare of the BDP.