BCP targets 31 MP seats, salivates at ‘fertile’ ground
Spira Tlhankane | Monday April 15, 2024 06:00
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 opposition coalition 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 are 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 which 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 preparation of the elections seriously will never take 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 an 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 turnout for their candidates 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, shows that they are anti primary elections. On other matter, he said even though the presidential commission of inquiry into the review of the constitution ignored Batswana’s plea to have direct election of the president, the latter care 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 tomorrow, 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.