Nine constituencies go for BCP primaries next month
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday September 26, 2023 06:00
During this first phase, nine constituencies will host these primary elections. BCP spokesperson, Mpho Pheko elaborated that the selected constituencies for this phase include those where the party has historically been strong or where it has a substantial chance of victory, such as Selebi-Phikwe West, amongst others. “BCP candidates from other constituencies have received nominations from their structures unopposed.
The preparations are going very well. But the following needs to be clarified,” she said. “It is important to highlight that to accommodate the current partners and the partners we are currently negotiating with, we have divided our primaries into two phases, the first phase focusing on constituencies currently allocated to the BCP.”
However, Pheko pointed out an important aspect to clarify, saying that the party has divided its primaries into two phases. The first phase will focus on the constituencies currently allocated to the BCP to accommodate their existing partners and those under negotiation. Pheko emphasised the openness of their primary elections, allowing challenges to all candidates, including incumbents. However, she noted that the names of challengers would be disclosed after the primaries to ensure a level playing field.
“The remaining constituencies (mainly from our strategic partners) will be determined in the second phase of our primaries elections,” she added. She also highlighted the BCP's strategic goal of positioning itself for a potential change of government in 2024. The party plans to contest in all 61 constituencies in partnership with their strategic allies. “As we have shared with the public, we have already entered into a formal arrangement with the Botswana Labour Party (BLP). They have agreed to contest the 2024 elections using the BCP symbols),” Pheko revealed. She said negotiations are ongoing with other stakeholders willing to pursue a similar arrangement.
The BCP's journey to this point involved disengagement from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) last year, stemming from disagreements that led to the suspension of their president, Dumelang Saleshando, and Goretetse Kekgonegile, the secretary-general. Initially, they had partnered with the Alliance for Progressives (AP), which later withdrew its support.
Currently, discussions are taking place between the UDC, the AP, and the Botswana Patriotic Front, with the UDC affiliates being the Botswana National Front and Botswana People’s Party.