BCP targets 31 MP seats, salivates at ‘fertile’ ground
Our opponents are all weak – Saleshando BCP seeks to snatch Tati East, Shashe West from the BDP
As the Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP) main opponents face divisions and primary elections hullabaloo, the lime movement is taking advantage of the situation and setting sights on clinching 31 parliamentary seats at this year’s polls. The party is convinced that the political ground is more fertile than ever. Currently, their main rivals-the Botswana Democratic
Party (BDP)-are battling primaries’ demons while the Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) centre cannot hold because of disgruntled coalition partners. The BCP is a former member of the UDC. With about six months before the 2024 General Election, BCP president Dumelang Saleshando confidently told the media this week that the ground is fertile because Batswana can see who amongst the competing parties is taking the assignment seriously.
He emphasised that the BCP is in a fast mode of getting ready for the election. Saleshando highlighted that they are the only party that is ready for the general election assignment. “We are the only party that has made headway to prepare for the polls. We are the only party that has completed the candidate selection process. “We are the only party that has initiated the process of coming up with a manifesto for the election by launching different chapters so Batswana know what to expect from the BCP,” he said.
Saleshando indicated that those who do not take the preparation for the elections seriously will never take the formation of the government seriously. “The laissez faire attitude that we see amongst our competitors is an indication of what would happen if they were to be entrusted with government,” he added.
He said they started preparations for the election in good time because they want to deliver change. Saleshando said with 55 confirmed candidates he is convinced that they have what it takes to win the 31 Member of Parliament (MP) seats needed to form a government.
He further said as they continue to tour the country they have realised that there is immense goodwill for the BCP. Saleshando pointed out that the ground is fertile because as he has been touring the country there are indications on the ground that the BCP is set to prevail. Saleshando confidently outlined that in Tati East, a BDP stronghold since 1966, the constituency will have a first-ever legislator from the opposition being the BCP.
He stated that the reception they received in Shashe West, another BDP stronghold shows that people are ready to have a BCP MP for the constituency.
“We have also been to Kgatleng West where we launched our candidate, Dr Unity Dow and it is evident she it is the leading horse if not the only horse in the race,” he pointed out. Saleshando said the huge turnouts for their candidate launches are not rented crowds as their detractors claim on social media.
“Our opponents are not exactly injured before this race, they are in deep snoring. Those who are saying they will be competing with us are in deep sleep. “They are all weak that is why they can’t hold primary elections. Weak as they are they know what is going to happen,” Saleshando said.
He said the posture and demeanour of UDC leader Duma Boko and BDP president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, show that they are anti-primary elections.
On other matters, he said even though the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the review of the Constitution ignored Batswana’s plea to have a direct election of the president, the latter cares about who becomes president.
“Batswana have a strong desire to play a part in choosing who becomes president. 2024 is the year that people should choose their president with or without the direct election of the president. “You can elect the president you want in 2024 by choosing the parliamentary candidate that associates with the presidential candidate you deserve, the president is on the ballot,” he said.
The Maun West MP, whose party is launching his presidential candidacy at Notwane Grounds in Gaborone on Saturday, said he is hosting the event in Gaborone because the place is a city of state power.
He said he is also doing it in his former Gaborone Central constituency not for his connection with the latter, but because it is a constituency that hosts the State House, Office of the President and the National Assembly.