Barolong Kgosikgolo Lotlaamoreng II has been linked to a looming by election in Goodhope/Mabule constituency.
Speculation linking the Barolong Kgosikgolo to the looming by election surfaced on Friday last week following the dramatic resignation of area MP and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)’s James Mathokgwane.
On Monday the speculation was still rife that Kgosi Lotlaamoreng will trade his leopard skin for politics and represent UDC in the looming by election.
Contacted for comment on Monday, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said he was aware of the rumours linking him to the looming by election but added that no party has approached him to stand.
“I have learnt that from some people who were even asking me if I’m interested in standing. But what I can tell you is that honestly no party has approached me thus far,” he said.
He said the same people whom he would not mention by names also asked him if he is interested in politics or in standing.
“I told them that I’m not in a position to say I’m interested or not because no party has approached me to stand,” he said.
Asked if he was also aware of allegations that the UDC intends to send a high-powered delegation to hold a meeting with him in an effort to convince him to stand, Lotlaamoreng said “I’m not sure whether such a delegation will come here or not.”
UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said he was not aware of allegations linking his party to Kgosi Lotlaamoreng in relation to the looming by election. He said the party would follow the standard procedures that have to be followed by holding primary elections.
Mohwasa added that as soon as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) issues a writ, the party would make announcement that those who are interested could apply to participate in the primary elections in order to qualify to participate in the by election.
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) spokesperson Taolo Lucas said his party will meet during the course of this week to deliberate on the matter.
“We will be meeting this week as the party executive and adopt a formal position on the upcoming by election. We have a decent following in that constituency which needs to be harnessed and natured,” he said.
For his part, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chairman for sub-committee on communications and International Relations committee Shaw Kgathi said they are yet to identify a candidate for the area. “The party hasn’t gone into that process (identifying a candidate). The IEC has to declare that there is a vacancy and after a writ has been issued the parties will have to take the necessary steps,” he said.
If he agrees to join politics, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng will be the third paramount chief to enter politics after Ian Khama and Tawana Moremi.
The Telegraph has learnt former area MP Kitso Mokaila who was trounced by Mathokgwane will not stand and instead specially elected MP and Presidential Affairs Minister Eric Molale together with former BDP Youth Leader Fankie Motsaathebe are expected to lock horns in the primary elections.
In the 2014 elections UDC garnered 6712, and BDP got 6111 while BCP managed a paltry 717.
