Keiso Mohloboli
Gender, Youths, Sports and Recreation minister, Mahali Phamotse, was this week elected secretary general of the Alliance of Democrats at the party’s elective conference in Maseru.
This was in apparent defiance of party leader, Monyane Moleleki’s directive for her, former secretary general, Mokhele Moletsane and former Youth League president, Thuso Litjobo, to withdraw from the race for the post.
Addressing the party faithful in Maseru on Saturday at the conference, Mr Moleleki advised them against electing any one of the trio to the post of secretary general.
He said while all three were suitable for the post, their election would however, cause divisions among their supporters which could weaken the party.
“All these three are my handiwork because I am the one who politically mentored them when they joined politics more than 11 years ago. I know their capabilities and flaws. I therefore, advise you not to elect one and let the other two fall. It is your choice at the end of the day but please make sure that you don’t make decisions that you will regret later,” Mr Moleleki said.
He however, said they could be elected to other positions within the national executive committee.
Only Mr Litjobo heeded Mr Moleleki’s call and withdrew his candidature, leaving Ms Phamotse to slug it out with Mr Moletsane.
Mr Litjobo was subsequently elected Public Relations Officer.
The party’s leader post was not contested and Mr Moleleki remains in charge with Professor Ntoi Rapapa as his deputy.
The chairperson ‘Maboiketlo Maliehe will be deputised by Kose Makoa while Tlohelang Aumane was elected Treasurer.
Batlokoa ‘Makong was elected the Deputy Secretary General, while and Mr Litjobo will be deputised by Matšana ‘Malebaleba’ Masiphole.
The party’s NEC elections Chairperson, Mathe Khalane, announced on Monday afternoon that four more members would be announced as the women and youth leagues’ spokespersons on a later date.
The polls were conducted on Saturday amid squabbling among party members and claims of death threats against Mr Litjobo.
Mr Litjobo subsequently told this publication that he had been warned of the plot to assassinate him and he had since beefed up his security.
“The would-be assassins told some people who then informed of the plot against me because they felt I needed to know what was happening because I have not done anything wrong.
“I don’t know what these people are capable of doing, but my security is now very tight just in case they try to take me out,” Mr Litjobo said.
He dismissed allegations of fanning factionalism, saying such claims were made by those who were jealous of what he had accomplished in his political career.
