20 Jul 2016

Botswana National Front (BNF) ushered in a new national executive committee at their 17th national elective congress in Francistown over the long weekend.

Mr Duma Boko was unopposed as party leader. 

The party’s new deputy leader is Reverend Prince Dibeela who garnered 539 votes against Molepolole North MP, Mr Mohammed Khan, who secured 339 votes.  

Former secretary for publicity and information, Mr Moeti Mohwasa beat Jwaneng-Mabutsane MP, Mr Shawn Nthaile in a closely contested secretary general position.

The election of the secretary general, which Mr Mohwasa won by 439 votes against Mr Nthaile’s 431, nearly descended into chaos  when the electoral board led by Mr Aaron Kauhanda wanted to count what was termed as spoilt ballots.

Both candidates, Messers Mohwasa and Nthaile expressed their misgivings regarding the position the board wanted to adopt, which the latter however had previously applied in other contested positions of the central committee.

A consensus was, however, reached after Mr Kauhanda invoked Article 7.1 of the parties electoral rules that any objections to the result of the elections would be put in writing in a specified time period.

The position of chairperson of the BNF was grabbed by the only woman contestant, Ms Abigail Mogalakwe, who garnered 403 votes, beating Messers Moses Bantsi and former secretary general Tapiso Kgosikoma who secured 265 and 197 respectively.

The treasurer position saw the erstwhile purse keeper of the party Mr Aubrey Lesaso being trounced by Ghanzi North MP, Mr Noah Salakae by 561 votes against 280 and the other candidate Mookami Mantimane managed a paltry 35 votes.

Former Gaborone mayor and government attorney, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana made a grand return to partisan politics when he grabbed the secretary for international relations position by 592 votes, beating Mr Kwenantle Gaseitsiwe, who was the past immediate secretary for the portfolio and garnered 253 votes.

Another grand returnee to the central committee was Mr Elmon Tafa, who secured the congress highest vote of political education secretary by earning 670 votes against Sam Digwa, who was the previous position holder and received a paltry 62 votes while another contestant, Mr Basimane Mannaaesi got 121 votes.

Mr Justin Hunyepa won the position of publicity and information secretary by 519 votes beating Gomolemo Kemotho who secured 334 votes.

The national organizing secretary position went to Mr Tona Mooketsi, who got 456 votes against Messers Mokgweetsi Kgosipula’s 186, Joel Phalaagae’s 160 and Thero Ngwanaang’s 54 votes.

Mr Eithopa Mokeresete took home the secretary for labour position by 481 votes beating Mr John Lentshikang who received 226 votes and Mr Ramontsho Maikgantsho who garnered 148 votes.

The secretary for economic affairs position went to Mr Peter Makwati who secured 548 votes against Mr Moses Samson’s 310.

Speaking after the new committee was elected, Reverend Dibeela thanked all BNF members for a peaceful congress.

He said the days of infighting amongst BNF members were gone.

Reverend Dibeela applauded Mr Boko for his leadership qualities, adding that their leader was unopposed during the elections because the members still wanted him to lead.

He urged the members to protect the party’s unity at all times, noting that they were living in an era of hopelessness as they faced youth unemployment.

“When there is a crisis like this, it is a moment of opportunity to do what is right. We are ambassadors of hope and a moment of change is here. The revolution is now,” he noted.

He thanked all the losing candidates for accepting the results, noting that at the end they were all winners for the sake of their party and urged the new committee to tap of the skills of the former leaders. ENDS