Pascalinah Kabi
ALL Basotho Convention (ABC) leader Thomas Thabane is expected to officially open the party’s two-day elective conference tomorrow amid indications that there are no obvious favorites for top posts like that of the deputy leader.
Depending on the outcome of his court challenge, Professor Nqosa Mahao, will square off with Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro, party chairperson Motlohi Maliehe and the acting incumbent, Public Works and Transport Minister Prince Maliehe.
Prof Mahao was nominated by the ABC’s Koro-Koro constituency committee to contest the deputy leader’s post.
However, the ABC’s national executive committee (NEC) disqualified Prof Mahao on the grounds that he had not served in the party structures for the required 36 months to be eligible to stand in the elections.
The Koro-Koro committee challenged the ABC NEC’s decision in the High Court and lost the case on 13 January.
The Koro-Koro committee subsequently appealed to the Court of Appeal which has since referred the case back to the High Court.
The High Court will only rule on the application today.
The Koro-Koro committee is seeking an order nullifying both the decision by the ABC’s NEC to disqualify Prof Mahao as well as its own suspension by the party after it launched its own spirited fight against the professor’s disqualification.
Prof Mahao, Mr Prince Maliehe, Mr Motlohi Maliehe, Dr Majoro, the Executing Working Committee of the ABC, the ABC’s NEC and the ABC are cited as the first to the seventh respondents respectively.
Meanwhile, the outgoing party spokesperson contesting for the party chair post, Tefo Mapesela, yesterday told this publication that elections will go ahead despite the ongoing court battles.
“The elective conference is going ahead as scheduled and our leader is expected to officially open the conference on the first day – Friday,” Mr Mapesela said.
Mr Mapesela will fight it out with legislators, Samuel Tsoinyane Rapapa (Mosalemane constituency), Lehlohonolo Moramotse (Lithoteng), Mpalipali Molefe (Maliepetsana) and outgoing deputy chairperson, Senator Kemiso Mosenene.
The post of deputy chairperson will be contested by Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Minister Chalane Phori, Tsoeu Molise and Senoamali Phakisi.
Outgoing secretary general Samonyane Ntsekele will be competing for the position against Senator Futho Hoohlo and Law and Constitutional Affairs Minister Lebohang Hlaele.
Outspoken former Minister of Health Nyapane Kaya is up against Habofanoe Lehana, M’akeabetsoe Letseka, Nkaku Kabi, Makhetha Motšoari, Temeki Tsolo and Maoshoa Mpeoa for the deputy secretary general post.
Lawmakers Nto Moakhi, Keketso Sello, Likopo Mahase, Mokherane Tsatsanyane and Matsepo Ramakoae are up against Pinkie Manamolela and Tlali Mohapi for the treasurer’s post.
