23 Apr 2018

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate, Mr Moagi Molebatsi has won the April 21 Mochudi East constituency bye-election, garnering 4 402 votes. He won with a margin of 1 118 to beat Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP)’s Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo and independent candidate, Mr Japhta Radibe.

Rev. Moruakgomo was elected by 3 284 voters while Mr Radibe got 130 voters and only 76 ballot papers were spoilt.

Only 7 892 voters cast their votes compared to 17 293 who voted in 2014 out of 20 640 who had registered for the general elections.

Returning officer, Mr Mompoloki Mochanang declared Mr Molebatsi as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Mochudi East constituency.

He thanked all those who worked towards the success of the bye-election, including police officers, media, presiding and polling officers who made sure that things went accordingly.

He further said the bye-election went well and that they had good working relations with contesting politicians.

Mr Molebatsi was received with applause by UDC members, among them their leader, Mr Duma Boko.

He said he was happy to had been elected and that he was not going to disappoint them because he would work hard to ensure that he acted on his promises to constituents.

Mr Molebatsi said he thanked God for the win and Bakgatla for trusting him as their leader, promising to lead them with love and respect and work hard to achieve great things for the benefit of the constituency.

On the other hand, Mr Boko said the result was a sign that they were ready to win the 2019 general elections.

He said Bakgatla were sending a strong message that the UDC was alive and would not disappoint them.

Mr Boko also congratulated Mr Molebatsi for his win despite facing several challenges during his campaign.

Meanwhile, Mr Radibe said he accepted defeat and would work with Mr Molebatsi.

He congratulated Mr Molebatsi for winning the elections, adding that he had dedicated his life to serving Bakgatla.

He said he could have won the elections had he had the resources and time to market himself to the communitiy.

BDP candidate, Rev, Moruakgomo also congratulated Mr Molebatsi for the win, adding that he respected the choice that Bakgatla had made.

He said they had put a lot of effort in their campaign but that at the end it was the electorate who decided whom they wanted. 

Furthermore, Rev. Moruakgomo said he would continue to serve the country and the party in other capacities. He said he was motivated to work hard in other roles and help the youth.

The bye-election comes after the Mochudi East seat was left vacant after BDP MP, Mr Isaac Davids died early this year. BOPA