Fresh UDC tensions stoke familiar fires
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 8, 2024 06:00
The two parties are now embroiled in a conflict over who should be the UDC's face in the upcoming general election.
This issue has been a recurring theme within the UDC, as the coalition has struggled to maintain unity.
The current conflict has the potential to further destabilise the UDC. On the other hand, the BPF believes to be bullied and not treated well within the UDC hence some want it to pull out. The upcoming meeting of the BPF over the weekend in Serowe will be a crucial moment for the UDC, as the party will need to decide how to proceed with its election campaign.
The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the UDC can present a united front in the general election, or if internal divisions will continue to undermine the coalition’s efforts. So far, the stakes are high, as the UDC will be looking to make a strong showing in the upcoming polls. However, Mmegi has learnt that there is a split within the BPF, with some members advocating for a particular course of action and others opposed to it.
This internal conflict could make it difficult for the BPF to reach a consensus at the upcoming meeting. “Some BPF members believe that former president Ian Khama‘s presence at the head of the UDC’s campaign could help to increase support in the northern part of Botswana. Khama has a strong following in that part of the country,” a source within the development has said. Another source within the party revealed that the issue is being pushed by certain individuals who want to please Khama even when it is not necessary to do so. “I wonder where this issue was coming from since our party has formalised joining the coalition this year. This is a bad start to the party.
The BNF president Duma Boko is the president of the UDC and it would be wrong for us to be advocating for Khama to be the face of the coalition when it has the president. If the BPF can continue to behave this way, then the public could punish us. It is too late to move out of the UDC,” the source revealed. Some say the members are not happy with the way the party members are being treated at the wards allocation and some constituencies by some UDC affiliates. The UDC affiliates have been fighting over wards and constituencies and it seems there is no peace at all in some areas. Furthermore, sources said some members of BPF leadership were not happy at the recent UDC meeting where they proposed the issue and it was not approved. It is alleged that some even threatened that the BPF would pull out from the coalition if their plea was not taken into consideration.
As for his part former President Khama said he has never sanctioned anyone to make such request at the UDC. In an interview with Khama on Tuesday, he said: “I know nothing about that at all. As such other questions do not apply.” While some BNF members believe that the party has made significant sacrifices in the name of the coalition, others argue that Boko has already been working tirelessly to campaign for the UDC. They believe that Boko is the rightful leader of the UDC, and giving Khama a more prominent role would undermine the BNF’s efforts. However, the BNF’s position is clear that Boko, as the president of the UDC, should be the coalition’s public face.
“They view this as a matter of principle and are unwilling to compromise on it. This could cause further friction within the UDC, and it remains to be seen how the conflict could be resolved. The BNF is supported by other affiliates in the coalition. Some of the members within coalition believe that some members of the public are still angry with Khama. Therefore, being the face of the coalition could cost the party,” the source said. Meanwhile, the UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said: “Please talk to the BPF about the issues you are raising. I wouldn’t know what issues the BPF is seized with. Again, I am not aware of any UDC national executive committee (NEC) meeting held last week.” The BPF secretary-general Lawrence Ookeditse said: “I cannot discuss any internal party matters with the media. Yes, we are aware that there are some complaints raised by the BPF members but it has nothing to do with Khama being the face of UDC. The party NEC would meet and hold a press conference after.”