23 April 2008
Selebi-Phikwe — The Botswana National Front (BNF) has postponed its primary elections in the Phikwe East constituency after some candidates challenged their opponent's eligibility. The elections were supposed to be held last weekend.
Although the constituency elections chairperson, Orebile Kealeboga refused to shed light on the postponement, it is reported that some candidates objected to certain issues pertaining to their opponents' eligibility.
Primaries were scheduled for two wards in Botshabelo South and North.
In Botshabelo South, one candidate, Dimpho Moruti questioned his rival, Ofentse Ithuteng's candidacy.
It is reported that Moruti was the only candidate who submitted his name at the close of nomination as Ithuteng had forwarded his name to the wrong office.
When Ithuteng was mentioned as one of the contestants, Moruti objected to this, arguing that his opponent had submitted his name late.
However, there are reports that Moruti's candidacy has also been challenged on the grounds that he is from Phikwe West and therefore he should not contest in the Phikwe East ward.
Additionally, it is said Ithuteng enjoys the support of the party's parliamentary candidate, Billy Makuku and there are reports that there are manoeuvres to elbow Moruti out of the race.
Another contentious ward is Botshabelo North where Seabelo Moitei has challenged Goitseone Ditshuto's eligibility. Kealeboga said the constituency elections committee will liaise with the national elections board to map the way forward and come up with a new date.
National elections board chairperson, Nonofo Kgafela, although refusing to divulge the nature of the problem in Phikwe East, confirmed that the elections had been postponed.
"There was a problem. The committee elections failed to resolve certain queries raised by candidates. It is not a major issue. It's something that we will resolve," Kgafela said.
She added that the postponement was caused by "issues of candidacy", but refused to comment further.
There were no contentious issues in other wards in Phikwe East where Galefole Mokabiri, Chalido Madome and Mpho Mariana were unopposed in Phase II, Phase I and Botshabelo East.
The BNF becomes the second party forced to postpone its elections in Phikwe East after the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
The BCP was taken to court by an aspiring candidate who felt the party leadership had treated him unfairly.
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