One is absent, the other is drinking Chibuku – Saleshando

Spira Tlhankane | Monday July 1, 2024 09:10

Saleshando, who was speaking at a Parliamentary launch in Ramotswa over the weekend, said Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) president Duma Boko is absent and not campaigning for elections, while Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is 'busy drinking Chibuku'. Saleshando and the BCP last weekend went to Old Naledi to launch their Parliamentary and council candidates only for Masisi to counter that by visiting the same place four days later. Following the visit, Masisi was pictured holding a carton of Chibuku, interacting with ordinary folks.

With Boko missing in action and the BDP facing primary elections hullabaloo, the BCP leader said he is the only presidential candidate amongst the trio who is ready. Saleshando said he is currently touring the country while others lay back with a few months left before the general election. “I know they will come up with stories that since I'm from Ngami I'm bewitching the President to drink Chibuku when he is supposed to announce the date of primary elections,” he said. Saleshando said he is ready because all he needs is to win 31 constituencies to attain state power after October. “In these 31 constituencies I want Gamalete in there,” he told Ramotswa residents. “The BCP is ready because we have council and Parliamentary candidates and I am prepared as a presidential candidate. It is important to decide who is going to be president.' 'I do not have any doubts that I cannot handle this job of being a President, at the moment ga go tautonege, go a Chibukega,” he said. He highlighted that if Batswana vote for the BDP they will have a President who keeps travelling instead of addressing their problems. “We want a BCP president to win because we want jobs, medication and that cannot be achieved with Masisi,” he said. Since the BCP quit the UDC in 2022, Saleshando is convinced that the political ground is more fertile than ever. He confidently told the media a few months ago 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, highlighting 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 then that those who don't take the preparation of 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.