BCP ahead in preparation

The Botswana Congress Party ( BCP) is a party on the move. So far, the BCP is the only party to hold its primary elections in some of the constituencies and also launch its manifesto chapters ahead of this year’s general election. For the first time in years, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party ( BDP) looks like a party at odds when it comes to running its internal affairs. With just less than six months before the general election, the BDP is yet to hold primary elections known within the party as Bulela Ditswe. The coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change ( UDC) is also facing challenges, following the recent events where the Botswana Patriotic Front dumped the Duma Boko- led coalition of opposition parties. UDC is also yet to hold primary elections or launch its manifesto. The BCP, which has also opted to go solo in this year’s general election, is the only party that looks like it has its house in order. This past weekend, the BCP launched Dumelang Saleshando as its presidential candidate. In a year of fierce competition for power between the ruling party and the opposition parties, we urge political movements like the BCP to present to the voters well thought out alternative programmes and policies. For over the years, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party has always promoted the idea that ‘ there is no alternative’ to its rule with gusto. This year, the BDP- led government is showering voters with empowerment schemes such as Chema Chema and Temo Letlotlo. The party’s uninterrupted rule is a clear indication that the opposition has been failing to connect with the voters over the years. All is not lost though. The 2024 general election presents yet another opportunity for opposition parties like the BCP to offer alternative programmes and policies to Batswana. We appreciate that the BCP’s think tanks have produced a manifesto that clearly sets out the party’s agenda once in power. It is our hope that the Manifesto is not another academic exercise that does not resonate with the masses. We hope the party’s manifesto will address the following questions better than the BDP or any other party that will compete in the market place of votes. What are the key campaign areas? What is the party’s plan to grow the economy? How will the BCP create jobs? How will the party address the collapsing sectors such as the education, and agriculture sector? What is the party’s solution to the water and electricity crises? How will the party strengthen key oversight bodies? How realistic are the party’s promises? There is a plethora of questions that the party’s manifesto should address. The importance of a political manifesto can never be over emphasised. Since 1965, voters have become sophisticated and in their sophistication they demand less of rhetoric and more substance. We hope that the BCP’s manifesto is a realistic document with realistic promises.