BCP brainstorms on electoral setbacks
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday November 4, 2014 16:42
He said on the agenda at the Palapye meeting, will be election evaluation but the issue of opposition cooperation is not on the agenda.
BCP’s target was winning 29 constituencies and take over government. But, despite the hype and sparing no expenses including the hiring of ‘presidential’ bus and helicopter, the 15-year old party was the worst performer in the October 24 general elections, getting only three parliamentary seats, down from eight.
Among the shocking losers was Saleshando, who lost the Gaborone Central seat he held for 10 years to a new comer, Phenyo Butale of the Umbrella for Democratic Change.
The BCP can take solace in the fact that they grew their popular vote with over 30,000 voters from the previous ones.
Among the expected attendees are campaign managers, candidates, members of the central committee and party structures.
“Some party members are not happy with the way the party has performed. This is not a new thing in the BCP and its usually held after every election. It is important that the party should know some of the things that contributed to its loss because each region will be giving its report. Some regions have been having their own meetings,” a source told Mmegi.
Despite Saleshando’s denial, the source said the question of opposition cooperation is on the agenda.
“Of course this is one of the issues that will be discussed. The candidates and some party leaders will have their view on the matter because they can tell which model can be used for cooperation.
It doesn’t mean what the leadership forum suggests is final because it has to go through the party congress for approval. The congress can approve or reject what the leadership forum says, ” said the party insider.
The party leadership and rank and file however has over the past week blamed their dismal performance on alleged de-campaigning by the media and trade unions backing the UDC.