Did BOFEPUSU force BDP out of Gabz FM debates?

Oarabile Mosikare | Thursday July 3, 2014 06:59

Reports are that in one of the meetings with the private radio station, BDP representatives voiced their misgivings about the programme because of the role of the federation. “This is because the federation has vowed to de-campaign some of the BDP parliamentary candidates who are anti-labour movement. That is why the ruling party pulled out,” said a source. 

He said the BDP is wrong because the debates give all candidates an opportunity to be put on a scale and assessed by voters. There was no way the federation could de-campaign the ruling party because its members are not facilitating the debates. Other sponsors of the debates are the United States of America (USA) Embassy, the British High Commission, Mascom and Europcar. BDP executive secretary, Sechele Sechele, said he would not comment on the issue. 

Meanwhile Gabz FM has released a statement expressing concern at the talk of their non-participation in the debates by some members of the BDP. The radio station says that so far, it has not received an official statement from BDP.

“Gabz FM is on the understanding that, as per the last meeting between Gabz-FM and BDP along with representatives of other political parties on the 5th of May 2014, were and we believe are (sic) still interested in taking part in the debates. 

Memorandums of Understandings were signed by all parties, with an exception of the BDP at the launch on the 26th of June 2014,” the station says in a statement. It says the debates have commenced in Tsabong and will continue in the 57 constituencies. “Gabz FM will continue to cater for everybody who has agreed to participate in the parliamentary candidates debates. 

The objectives of the debates across the country, have been set and approved, by all political parties, independent candidates along with our partners and sponsors for the greater good of the electorate, and Gabz FM remains committed to delivery of its commitment,” the statement says.