Pitwane�s �Blue Berets� back Boko
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday October 21, 2014 17:46
The youth firebrand last month failed to register to contest the constituency. On Friday, Pitwane told a press conference packed with his blue beret spotting supporters that his movement realised that had they gone ahead with their decision to boycott the Friday general elections, they would have missed out on the chance of ousting the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
“We are here to support the world. We are here to support men and women who would stand up for their rights to transform the world. Men and women who could not be sold nor be bought,” said the outspoken Pitwane.
“We have gathered here today to proclaim publicly that we are going to vote comrade Boko in the upcoming general elections,” he declared to an uproar.
Pitwane added that the decision was not haphazard one, or taken by him and Boko, but agreed to by every member of the YNV. He confirmed that Boko had met them more than twice previously, where the youths agreed to support the UDC and campaign for its leader in the next four days.
But, Pitwane was quick to add, this did not mean the end to the political movement. The youths decided for these elections, they would back Boko as they respect him and felt that he deserved to lead the country.
“Let me confirm that this decision was not based on bitterness but taking part in democracy. This is a public agreement between two entities that respects each other referring to our manifestos where we felt that they related,” he said.
Pitwane said YNV had a good following, pointing to the filled-up Childline hall at Block as a sure sign that Boko was getting a good package. But the support goes only to the UDC leader, as a presidential and parliamentary candidate. The youth still back their independent candidate in the area, Saddam Chaloba.
The clearly excited UDC leader, Boko, also said the support from YNV was a declaration of his victory over the Bonnington North constituency.
He pointed out that the movement held the key to his victory on winning the elections.
“Those who had doubts on where the constituency is going should not doubt anymore as the ones who could take the decision has now done so and decided to announce it publicly. Go and tell the BDP and BCP that the race over Bonnington North is over,” said Boko confidently.
He promised that he would take the youth’s concerns into consideration during his reign. He added that he took YNV’s support knowing that UDC fully appreciates problems of the youth and that only his party could address them adequately.