Moatlhodi rocks the BNF boat

The Botswana National Front (BNF) new catch is already creating confusion in Tonota-South, with parliamentary candidate, Maokaneng Bontshetse claiming ignorance to the development.

Deputy Speaker, Pono Moatlhodi crossed the floor to BNF on Wednesday vowing to win Tonota-South constituency under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket. Moatlhodi resigned from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) citing irregularities in the just ended primary election, which he lost to Thapelo Olopeng. But Maokaneng appears to be in the dark about Molatlhodi’s plans.

“I really don’t know what is happening but what I know is that we were just welcoming new members.” Maokaneng had previously indicated that he will not give way to anyone in the constituency. But Moatlhodi said during a press conference that he joins the UDC determined to prove that he deserved to win the BDP primary election over Olopeng. Moatlhodi is ready to re-claim his position in the up-coming general election with his newfound party, the UDC.

Although he could not be drawn into the conversation, Bontshetse said he is aware that the party was welcoming new members, but he was not aware that Moatlhodi will be representing the constituency in the upcoming general election.

Upon inquiry as to whether Moatlhodi will be contesting in Tonota-South constituency, UDC president Duma Boko was not clear on which member will be representing the constituency.

“The people in Tonota-South will make the final decision on who will represent them,” he said. Currently BNF is facing another challenge in the constituency as one of their stalwarts, Michael Mzwinila will be standing as an independent candidate. In the last general election BDP represented by Moatlhodi garnered 5 617 followed by Mzwinila of BNF at 2 466 and BCP came third with only 269 votes.