UDC will cooperate - Boko
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 3, 2014 19:19
Speaking at a press conference last Friday, Boko said the UDC parliamentarians will not be criticising programmes that they believe can benefit Batswana.
“Parliament is going to be a battle ground of ideas. It should be understood that we are going to engage the BDP members in a respectful and meaningful manner. We are not going to fight or disrespect other Members of Parliament (MPs) because we are from opposition parties,” Boko said.
He said President Ian Khama also assured the opposition that he would work with them. “Khama has told me that he is willing to work well with MPs from opposition parties and he will meet with them. “I do not see a problem with that because we are in leadership to serve Batswana, not our own interests. I had a meeting with him on Thursday morning and he agreed to brief me on certain issues before he presents them to his cabinet,“ he said
Boko said he also met with Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president, Dumelang Saleshando, to discuss different issues, including possibilities of cooperation.
He said there is no way UDC can win government without the BCP, explaining that UDC members should know that they do need it.
Boko thanked Batswana for making it possible for the UDC to win 17 parliamentary seats and 115 council seats.
“Gaborone region has emerged as a stronghold of the UDC, along with Molepolole as well as other urban centers. Of the five Gaborone constituencies, the UDC captured four seats, all with convincing margins. The UDC is also making in-roads in rural areas, particularly in the Central, Gantsi and Borolong areas. Our performance in the North-Eastern parts of the country is less than satisfactory, despite fielding credible and competent candidates. These areas are key priorities for growth in the coming years,” he said.
He said they had surprise losses in certain constituencies, which they had expected a win including Shoshong, Gaborone South, Lobatse, both Kgalagadi constituencies and at least one of the Letlhakeng constituencies.
He said they will be compiling reports on these constituencies to assess the circumstances around the losses.