Opposition sidelined from national events

The parties say they did not send representatives to the World AIDS Day commemorations in Selebi-Phikwe on Monday because they are ignored when such events are planned.

BNF publicity secretary, Moeti Mohwasa said they boycotted the celebrations deliberately because the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has politicised national events. He urged the organising committee for national events to include everybody irrespective of political affiliations. 'They should mobilise different sectors irrespective of political affiliation. At the moment, the BDP is at the forefront in all national events. We should be careful not to politicise such events,' Mohwasa said. Gaborone Central MP and BCP spokesman, Dumelang Saleshando said they were not invited to the World AIDS Day commemorations.

'As a party, we attend when we are invited. We were not invited for the AIDS Day commemorations and this, in a way is politicisation of events,' Saleshando said. He added that even ministers never inform him when they address meetings in his constituency.
'When a minister visits Princess Marina Hospital (in his constituency), chances are that I will not be invited, but when the same happens in Selebi-Phikwe (where MPs belong to the BDP), the MP will be informed,' Saleshando said. He regretted that it is unfortunate that in most events, there is a deliberate move by the BDP to exclude opposition members.

BDP official, Comma Serema sees nothing wrong with the current arrangement. He said the opposition has to learn to live with the fact that they are in the minority. 'I expect our people (BDP) to participate at such events. The President has to officiate, he is not just the leader of the BDP, but the whole country, and even their (opposition) president,' Serema said. He added that the opposition should attend such events to strengthen democracy as their voice has to be heard. 'They should attend so that the voice of the minority is heard, which is democratic. If they do not attend, it means there is no democracy within the opposition,' he added.

Meanwhile, the BNF Selebi-Phikwe West constituency has organised a campaign to encourage people to test for HIV. The main event will be held at the Selebi-Phikwe Main Mall on Tuesday. The party's 2009 election candidates are expected at the event.

Tebelopele Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre will carry out HIV tests. Mohwasa said there will be prizes for those who test on the day, as a way of encouraging more people to come forward and know their status.