In a leaked audio circulating within internal BNF WhatsApp groups, former Botswana National Front (BNF) council candidate aspirant Gaone Selogo alleges that she was blocked from contesting elections under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in Tsabong North because of her financial situation.

Selogo explained that after winning the primary elections earlier this year, rumors began to surface suggesting that she was not a suitable candidate due to her limited financial resources. She claims that a by-election was organised despite no appeal being submitted to the BNF central committee.

“When I raised the issue with my local BNF structure, I was told I needed to pay the P1,500 nomination fee to continue my candidacy,” Selogo said. “Only the Women’s League responded to my letter, and even that was through a phone call. They informed me there was no appeal and no reason for a by-election.”

Selogo alleges that, behind the scenes, her financial situation was used as a reason to block her candidacy. “I was told that I was a burden to the campaign because I am poor,” she claimed.

She further accused Kgalagadi South parliamentary candidate Mucus Chimbombi of opposing her candidacy for the council seat. According to Selogo, she was not given any formal notice about the by-election.

Chimbombi, however, denied the accusations and expressed surprise. “I am not even based in Tsabong, and these claims are completely false. I am shocked that such baseless allegations could be made within the party,” he said.

An anonymous source within the party questioned the timing of Selogo's complaints, hinting that the issue may have been raised for personal or strategic reasons just ahead of the elections. Furthermore, it is said that Selogo did not contest the rerun, and Shadrack Vaniekerk won.