BCP bars members from Opposition caucus
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Sunday July 10, 2022 16:14
The caucus aims to topple the Leader of Opposition (LOO), Dumelang Saleshando, who has been suspended from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
A letter dated July 10 by BCP’s Goretetse Kekgonegile stated: “Please note that the party has been briefed about the BCP parliamentary caucus discussions upon which no decision was taken in relation to the Leader of Opposition position and related correspondence from Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) president, hence you are directed as follows; that all members who serve in Parliament of Botswana should not participate in the proposed caucus scheduled for July 10 or any subsequent caucus intended to or the agenda of which is to deal with any matter affecting the Leader of Opposition in Botswana Parliament, until after the direction of the party conference scheduled for July 15–18.”
It also advised the members of the BCP who are Members of Parliament (MPs) of Botswana to see to it that no such changes to the LOO position take place and shall take such measures as are in their power to give effect to this decision.
Currently the BCP, which is an affiliate of UDC, is said to be considering pulling out from the coalition due to rising tensions.
Out of the 14 UDC parliamentary seats, BCP forms the majority with a total of 11 MPs in Parliament, while Botswana National Front has two and Botswana People's Party has one.
The Winter Session of Parliament starts tomorrow and it seems the UDC is racing against time to ensure the removal of Saleshando as LOO.