UDC betrayed voters – BCP
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:02
Addressing a political rally in Selebi-Phikwe East on Saturday, BCP vice president Taolo Lucas said it was time for citizens to acknowledge that voting for the UDC had been a mistake.
He argued that the coalition had failed to meet expectations and was increasingly struggling to govern effectively. Lucas maintained that the BCP's decision to part ways with the UDC had been vindicated by developments since the coalition assumed power.
According to him, the ruling party has failed to deliver on major promises, including job creation and the allocation of residential plots.
“As the BCP, we remain the alternative government. For us to eventually win elections, we must continue increasing our representation in Parliament and local councils,” Lucas told supporters. “Today it is becoming increasingly clear that our decision to leave the UDC was the correct one because the coalition is failing to fulfil what it promised Batswana.”
He further pointed to remarks allegedly made by UDC President Duma Boko, claiming that the ruling party had effectively admitted it had no contractual obligation to voters.
Lucas said such statements demonstrated a departure from campaign commitments that helped the UDC secure electoral victory. He argued that many citizens had expected swift improvements in their lives but were instead being confronted with unmet promises and growing frustrations.
Meanwhile, BCP president Dumelang Saleshando urged Batswana not to lose hope despite the country's current challenges.
He, however, positioned the BCP as a credible alternative capable of offering leadership and solutions should voters choose the party in future elections. Saleshando accused the UDC of abandoning the very manifesto that persuaded citizens to support it at the polls.
“The UDC appears to have forgotten the promises it made to Batswana. That is why it now says it does not have a contract with the people,” he said. “The BCP will never take such a position. Our contract with the people will always be our manifesto, and we will remain accountable to the commitments we make.”
In addition, Saleshando outlined some of the legislative proposals the BCP intends to advance when Parliament reconvenes in July. He said the party would continue using its parliamentary presence to push for reforms aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Amongst the proposals, the BCP wants the government to discontinue constituency allowances paid to specially elected Members of Parliament and the Speaker of the National Assembly. According to Saleshando, the funds could be redirected to critical sectors, particularly healthcare, including the procurement of medicines for hospitals and clinics. He argued that the government should prioritise essential public services at a time when many health facilities continue to face shortages of medication and other resources.
Furthermore, Saleshando defended the BCP's decision to establish a shadow cabinet, saying the structure was designed to prepare the party for government long before it assumes power. He contrasted this with the UDC, which he claimed had entered government without adequate preparation.
“The reason we have a shadow cabinet is that we are preparing ourselves to govern. The UDC is struggling because it only started preparing for government after winning power, and that has created confusion,” he said.
To support his argument, Saleshando pointed to the government's handling of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, which he said exposed weaknesses in leadership and decision-making.