25 Jun 2023

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate has won the Saturday Mmaphula ward by-election in the Palapye Constituency.

UDC candidate Mr Mohutsiwa Mompoloki managed to beat three other candidates after garnering 384 votes.

He was followed in second position by Botswana Congress Party’s Mr Gaolathe Kenosi with 256 votes, while the Botswana Democratic Party’s Mr Andrew Phalalo received 162 votes in third position.

An Independent Candidate, Mr Ntebang Pelotlhomogi garnered 122 votes. A total of 21 ballot papers were rejected. In an interview Mr Mompoloki thanked Mmaphula East constituents for working tirelessly to making it possible for him to win the ward. He said his focus was now devoted to delivering what he has promised the community of Mmaphula East. Mr Mompoloki said one of the priority areas for the ward was to advance for paving of internal roads as they were of primary concern to the residents in the area.

He said he was aware of the public’s outcry concerning shortage of drug at health facilities as well as challenges of unemployment.

 The returning officer Mr Mompati Ntapu said the elections went well with manageable challenges. 

Mr Ntapu said the ward has registered 1951 eligible voters of which 945, which was almost half of the total registered managed to cast their votes in the by-election.

 He said an election was part and parcel of the democratic process, therefore urging Batswana to fully participate in the process.

He was equally concerned by the number of rejected ballots despite efforts that were made prior to voting engaging voters on how to properly cast their vote. 

 Mr Ntapu said all the candidates accepted the results. Mmaphula East ward council seat became vacant following the death of Councillor Mr Gagoope Sebina of the BDP in April 02, 2023. ENDS