Chaos rages in RFP

MASERU – THERE seems to be no end to the chaos and confusion in the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) over the selection of election candidates for the October 7 election.

Hardly a week after the High Court ruled in favour of candidates who were suing the RFP for blocking them from contesting in the election, candidates who had been handpicked by party leader, Sam Matekane, have now filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal.

The party’s spokesman, Mokhethi Shelile, this week flatly rejected charges that the RFP was fighting back while hiding behind its preferred candidates.

He told thepost last night that “we as a party have not appealed, it’s these people who have appealed in the interests of the party”.

Shelile also rejected charges that the RFP was sponsoring the appeal, insisting only that “they are aggrieved we understand and it is in the interests of the party that they have gone to the Court of Appeal”.

He would not be drawn into discussing why the party did not stop them as it earlier reasoned with those who had won their case in the High Court that they should not sue.

The 16 members who won the right to represent the party are Dr Mahali Phamotse, Teboho Notši, Sello Hakane, Malothoane Mathiba, Mabote Malefane, Khotso Motseki, Teboho Malataliana, ‘Mammako Mohale Lerata, Chopho Lekholoane, Mphelela Khaoli, Motheo Ralitapole, Matabane Mosese, Monotsi Maliehe, ‘Makatleho Motsoasele, Mooki Sello and Tankisang Mosito.

The 16 RFP members who have appealed are Phumane Mojalefa, Malehanye Ralejoe, Talenta Masoatsa, Mofero Selupe, Lekese Matsoso, ‘Mantšali Yengane, Moleboheng Sefali, Kenny Atang Ntoane, Thabang Rapapa, Koena Marase, Thabiso Lekhotla, Mokete Jonas, Lebona Mphatsoe, Retšelisitsoe Theko, Motho-oa-sebaka Mosenki-Letsie and Mamamello Holomo.

Asked if the RFP has withdrawn the appeal against the five who won a similar case earlier, Shelile said “you will notice that one has been passed over by the events”.

“The case is still standing,” he said, but declined to state whether the party will pursue it when the Court of Appeal opens.

“Those who won the case, as you may know, are already working in their constituencies for the party,” he said, adding: “But the appeal case is still standing.”

The five are Moloi Ralentsoe from Makhaleng, Kobeli Letlailana from Lithoteng, Matlotlo Ramaboli from Mechechane, Tšepo Joseph Lethobane from Thaba-Putsoa and Lejone Puseletso from Thaba Moea.

Ralentsoe had been replaced by Motjoka Toloane with Letlailana being replaced by Lebohang Letsoela, while Ramaboli had been replaced by Tumo Molefe.

Lethobane had been substituted by Sherif Mothopeng while Puseletso was replaced by Pokello Mahlomola.

Staff Reporter