Letshwiti unfazed
Botswana Football Association (BFA) President McLean Letshwiti has expressed confidence in his bid for re-election in 2024, stating that he is not intimidated by any potential competitors. Speaking on the upcoming elections, Letshwiti has made it clear that he does not fear the competition, asserting that he is certain of his victory regardless of who his opponents might be.
Last week, the Botswana Football Association Electoral Committee released the list of candidates who passed the vetting process. Out of the three presidential hopefuls, Tariq Babitseng, Masego Nchingane, and incumbent president, McLean Letshwiti, only the latter's name appeared and this caused a stir on social media, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the vetting process. The lack of an opponent to challenge Letshwiti's presidency in the upcoming election has led to accusations of bias and favoritism in the BFA electoral process.
Letshwiti dismissed the outcry on social media about the fairness of the BFA vetting process, affirming that democracy within the association is functioning well. He emphasized that social media drama has no impact on the functioning of the association, as all procedures are being followed as prescribed. He further dismissed the controversy surrounding his lack of opposition in the presidential race, stating that he has no concern about who his competitors are as he is confident in his re-election. According to Letshwiti, these are merely the politics of the situation, and he is focused on his victory.
“I'm not involved in the electoral process, but I've been informed that I'm running for president unopposed. However, I'm not worried about potential competitors as I'm confident in my ability to win regardless. In Africa, it's common for everyone to think they can be president, and that's okay because people should be allowed to dream. Anyone can think they have what it takes to be president,” Letshwiti said.
“I'm very confident in my ability to remain president, whether I'm running against someone or not. I believe that the work I've done for the BFA speaks for itself, and that the people I've served recognize the positive impact I've had. Even if someone were to challenge me, I'm sure that my track record and vision for the future would prevail in the end,” he added.
Ahead of the Botswana Football Association National Executive Committee (NEC) elections set for next month, three incumbents are unopposed, McLean Letshwiti (BFA President), Maokaneng Bontshetse (BFA Vice President
1), and Tico Kamati (BFA Vice President 2) as they have all been declared sole candidates for their respective positions by the BFA electoral committee.
Despite the release of the list of candidates who successfully passed the BFA vetting process, those who were disqualified are fighting back. Ntshingane and Babitseng, both seeking the BFA presidency, have questioned the fairness of the vetting procedure and are appealing the decision to the Appeals Committee in an attempt to overturn the results and challenge incumbent McLean Letshwiti. Similarly, Phadza Butale, aspiring for the position of BFA Vice President 1, and Carlos Sebina, pursuing BFA Vice President 2, are appealing the Electoral Committee's decision after failing to pass the vetting process.