UDC is a huge elephant - Dr. Gobotswang
Presidential Tour intended to energise BCP membership
Botswana Congress Party ( BCP) says it has no qualms with its colleagues in the Umbrella for Democratic Change ( UDC). This follows BCP’s non- participation in the UDC National Executive Committee ( NEC) decision to address a press conference. According to the party, the focus is the bigger picture of UDC uniting all opposition parties to attain state power.
Last week BCP was at odds with fellow contracting partners - Botswana National Front ( BNF) and Botswana People’s Party ( BPP) - over the postponement of a press conference which the BCP boycotted after both the BNF and BPP did not yield to its demands.
BCP Vice President who is also its Acting Secretary General Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang said what transpired is now water under the bridge. He told this publication that all these are symptoms of underlying problems related to governance.
“Regular meetings, having a political program and its implementation are critical issues that we must address as UDC.
“UDC is a huge elephant that requires robust processes. Most fundamental is that we must not lose sight of the fact that UDC survives on strong contracting parties,” the VP said. Dr. Gobotswang who is also MP for Sefhare- Ramokgonami pointed out that the recent BCP Presidential Tour is intended to energise BCP membership.
Last week the BCP accused UDC President Advocate Duma Boko of disregarding their proposal for the postponement of the press conference. The BCP did not attend the press conference on grounds that it was not notified of issues that were to be shared with the media as the party was not part of the Mahalapye NEC meeting where the coalition leaders made resolutions.
The Mahalapye meeting was attended by the BNF and the BPP. According to observers, this is a clear indication that the fight is between the BCP and the BNF.
Insiders have revealed that the infighting is over the holding of an elective congress of the UDC, which according to the BCP is the only way to democratise the coalition.
The BCP stated that it could not be part of the media briefing because it is not proper for the party to hold a press conference before the leadership has discussed and agreed on the issues to be shared with the press. Boko, who is also the BNF President, told the media that the NEC of the UDC has directed him, not only as its President, to hold the press conference, but that going forward he must be more visible despite the present constraints of the Covid pandemic.
He said the UDC remains focused on the plight and predicament of ordinary Motswana. According to Boko they continue to pursue the unity of all opposition parties.
“Because of the economic hardships our people face, there will be many on the auction block willing to sell their soul for a mess of pottage. “We must expect infiltration and betrayals. Hired guns will be sent out to malign the UDC and some of its most feared leaders,” Boko told the media.