UDC attitude forced us to seek alternative – BCP

Mompati Tlhankane | Monday August 29, 2022 06:40

Pheko (right) explained that the AP and the BCP have started talks on building a democratic and accountable alternative to the BDP and the UDC

This revelation follows the start of talks between the Alliance for Progressives (AP) and the BCP on Sunday on a possible new coalition.

The BCP is a member of the UDC alongside the Botswana National Front (BNF), the Botswana People's Party (BPP) and the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), which was welcomed recently. In an interview, the BCP spokesperson Mpho Pheko explained that the AP and the BCP have started talks on building a democratic and accountable alternative to the BDP and the UDC.

She indicated that they are very serious about working together because it is the right thing to do for Botswana, further stating that for the longest time, democracy, constitutionalism and governance have been under assault at both the BDP and the UDC. “The BCP has tried over a long time, since before the 2019 General Elections to persuade our partners that we should shape the UDC as a model of democracy, rule of law, governance, transparency and accountability, merit, competence and honesty, to no avail,” she said.

Pheko further said instead of attending to their concerns, the BCP was suspended by the UDC, forcing it to chart a new path with the UDC. She pointed out that the BCP’s 2022 conference has given the UDC six months period to rethink its position on these important issues; but it is quite clear nothing is happening towards resolving the issues on the leadership of the party. “The conference also mandated the BCP leadership to continue engaging like-minded parties on building a coalition based on these values.

In AP, we have found a partner that believes in the principles of social democracy. We are not turning back,” she highlighted. She also emphasised that the BCP will not be party to a union that tramples on democracy, its constitution, basic tenants of governance and human rights unhindered.

Asked what the AP and the BCP members should expect from the possible alliance and how different it is going to be compared to the UDC, Pheko said their members should expect a strong coalition that is firmly grounded on contemporary principles of social democracy. “We are talking about democracy, the rule of law, governance, human rights, equity, fairness, solidarity, public service and commitment to inclusive prosperity, with particular focus on disadvantaged members of society,” she stated.

Pheko further said Batswana should expect a coalition that will liberate them from the BDP yoke and restore their dignity as a nation. She added that the new coalition will understand the role of institutions in the economic development and it will be a coalition that seeks democratic, accountable and ethical governance systems. “They should expect a coalition that puts Botswana and Batswana first, and is not distracted by obligations to overbearing funders. We are alert to the risk of state capture because we have seen what it can do to the country, and we see the risks all too clearly,” she concluded.