It is still early to really know how genuine and serious those involved in the process are and what type of reaction these current moves will elicit from the masses. However, our position has always been that the opposition should pool their resources together to have any chance of withstanding the onslaught of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). There is no question that under Ian Khama, the BDP is more united and powerful than before.
We think the opposition has never been faced with a tougher opponent in the modern Botswana political scene. Of course it would be disingenuous for one to suggest that the opposition is one monolithic body. It is important to recognise that the BNF and BCP are different and have separate political programmes. We are also aware that each party has the long-term plan to take over power from the BDP. However, we believe that the opposition is faced with a bigger challenge now than ever to provide an alternative choice to the BDP. Batswana have indicated that they believe the future of a working democratic dispensation in the country is an organised, cooperating if not united opposition. When they cooperate, the BNF and BCP have won every by-election they have contested.
