- Elias likely to be unopposed in the party’s primaries
- The prophet confirms he is ready to contest for any constituency in Maun
- He believes time has come for him to serve his people beyond the pulpit
- Some followers skeptical about mixing prophetic call with politics
Maun popular Prophet TP Elias is said to be the most favoured to contest the Maun West parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections under the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Word is rife that the Man of God will be unopposed in the party’s primary selection process to usher him in smoothly to dislodge incumbent Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
While the Prophet, who has a large following at the Gates of Heaven Networks Church has confirmed reports that he may run for a political office in the next 2024 general elections under the BDP ticket, he has however not confirmed in which constituency he will contest.
He only told this publication that he is ready to be sent to parliament by the ruling party in any of the two constituencies – Maun East or West.
It is said that his large religious following, motivated him to stand for political office and he is also seen by the BDP in the region as a potential candidate to wrestle the constituency from the opposition.
He believes as a BDP member in good standing he is eligible to stand for any party position. He is of the view that time has therefore come for him to step in and serve his people beyond the pulpit.
“As much as I serve people at church as a prophet, I also have to serve them as their servant at party level to make sure I advocate for them and bring the much needed change especially now that we don’t have elected parliamentary representatives at both Maun East and West,” he said.
Elias argued that besides being a prophet he is also human and needs money to survive therefore for him to run for political office, is not exceptional because it comes as a source of income.
This was in response to concerns by some of his followers who are not happy with the prophet mixing his prophetic call with politics.
“I am a family man and personally I need to work hard in any field that can bring food for my family, so if people are in politics because there is money, I too need the same job to serve my people and in return feed myself and my family,” he stressed.
The outspoken prophet narrated that his love for the ruling party started way back during his university days therefore his intention to stand for party position in the region should not come as a surprise. Suspicions of him likely to run for a political office began towards the 2019 general elections as he was actively involved in campaigns of party candidates praying for their win something which however did not materialise.
Elias will be this weekend attending the party’s 39th National Congress in Tsabong after he was elected among the Maun West delegates. The prophet received the highest votes as compared to other delegates.
In Maun West should he win the primaries the prophet is likely to face serious contest against current area Member of Parliament, Dumelang Saleshando whereas in Maun East he will face incumbent Goretetse Kekgonegile, both under the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) among other contestants.
