We will not swallow BLP – Saleshando
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday December 18, 2023 10:19
Speaking at a joint press briefing with the Botswana Labour Party (BLP) on Tuesday, Saleshando emphasised that the two parties would work together as equal partners, rather than having one party dominating the other. He also said there would be ongoing dialogue and engagement between the two parties.
Saleshando acknowledged that the BCP has tried working with other parties in the past, but the relationships did not work out. However, he expressed confidence that the BCP’s relationship with the BLP is built on a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect.
“It’s important to consider the possibility that the BLP may be genuinely interested in working with the BCP for the good of the country. So far, the BLP has shown that it has similar values with us, but, we can only hope that they are acting in good faith.
Negotiations were not easy and it was important that we check if we have a lot in common and have similar ethics,” Saleshando said. He said the two parties are committed to working together in a spirit of cooperation and equality. On the other hand, the BLP president, Prince Dibeela, acknowledged that the process of reaching an agreement between the two parties was not easy due to the constraints of the current Societies Act hence they agreed to use the BCP symbol.
Dibeela emphasised that the BLP is not being ‘swallowed’ by the BCP and will remain an independent political party. He also highlighted the fact that the BLP has a strong base of support on the ground, despite what others believe. “The BLP and BCP have a clear and mutual understanding based on shared ethics and principles.
There is no risk of the BLP being swallowed by the BCP, and the two parties have a solid agreement in place. The BCP Alliance primary objective is to provide a legitimate and appealing alternative to the current opposition parties, with a focus on strong and ethical leadership,” Dibeela said.
He said the BLP consults its members on all major decisions to ensure that its policies and actions are reflective of the people it represents. However, it remains to be seen whether the BCP and BLP will be able to put aside their differences and work together effectively, or whether their alliance will be marred by conflicts and divisions.
Only time will tell.
The BCP and BLP are both splinter parties from the Botswana National Front (BNF), and there have been concerns that the BLP may not be able to contribute as much to the coalition due to its smaller size and influence. Some believe that the BLP's motivation for joining the BCP Alliance is to remain relevant and gain support, as they may not have a strong base of their own.
Previously, the BCP absorbed the Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM), the National Democratic Front (NDF) and Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin (MELS). Some people have expressed concern that the BLP is forced to accept the BCP’s decisions because the BLP has not yet tested its strength by partaking in a General Election and therefore, needs the BCP’s support. It is important to consider the fact that the BLP is a relatively new party and its decision to partner with the BCP should be viewed as a strategic move to gain more experience and exposure. Furthermore, the BLP has a clear vision and mission that is independent of the BCP, and its decision to collaborate with the BCP does not mean that it is losing its autonomy or identity.