Selebi-Phikwe — The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) central committee is expected to make a ruling on the Selebi-Phikwe mayoral elections.

The elections became controversial when Lekang Mukokomani stood against Tebogo Matlhogonolo contrary to a resolution of a BDP caucus. After winning the elections, Mukokomani complicated matters further when he chose a Botswana Congress Party (BCP) councillor as his deputy.

This forced the BDP to order an investigation. The probe was carried out by BDP executive secretary, Dr Comma Serema on Wednesday. Comma said afterwards that he will hand over his report to the central committee to make a decision. Mukokomani said they were interviewed by Comma and they are now waiting for the outcome of the investigations.

"He will pass his findings to the central committee to decide the outcome. We were also interviewed on the elections of the deputy mayor but I explained that if councillors could have presented any candidate other than Mmapula Phuduhudu maybe I would have considered it.

For now I have committed no offence. To have an opposition deputy mayor is a sign that democracy is growing and councillors should embrace it," said the defiant Mukokomani.

He maintained that he settled for an opposition deputy mayor because he needed to work with somebody whose loyalty is not in doubt. He said the council should not make decisions based on party lines. He told those who are surprised by his decision that having a mayor and a deputy from different parties is not a new development in Botswana. "I do not support the issue of nominated councillors after all and the system must be abolished. If you want a position, you must contest for it. Even the minister who appoints nominated councillors does not know them and their academic qualifications cannot justify their capability," he said to explain why he by-passed a nominated BDP councillor to appoint a deputy from the opposition.

He added that fellow councillors tried to justify their case during investigations by saying that the previous caucuses that endorsed Matlhogonolo as the mayor were illegitimate in that the regional committee was not involved.

"I on the other hand argued that the party constitution fairly states that council caucus comprising councillors shall be conducted, so the regional committee is not necessary at this stage," he said and cited Article 32 of the party constitution.

Mukokomani, who is apparently unrepentant on the decision he took against the BDP, was quick to point out that he is not affiliated to any faction of the ruling party. He regretted that the mayoral issue will impact negatively on the council functions yet the mayor, the deputy and all committees were legally elected into office.