UDC in talks to form a single party
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday March 17, 2015 18:00
The three member affiliates of the Umbrella for Democratic Change
(UDC) are in talks to form a single opposition party. The Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana People’s Party (BPP) went into a coalition in 2012, contesting elections in UDC in 2014.
Addressing journalists yesterday, BMD vice president, Wynter Mmolotsi said a final decision on whether to merge into a single party would be decided by the general membership of all three parties. “We have a hope that one day we will become one party,” he said, adding that, “It is up to our members to decide within the three parties.
“People could then join the UDC directly without being a member of the three parties. “We still consider ourselves a family and that is the reason why BPP leaders were welcomed at this past weekend’s BMD leadership forum”. At the BMD forum held in Francistown over the weekend, a resolution was taken that each party in the coalition should vigorously intensify its recruitment of new members.
“This resolution will help the UDC grow. We have formed a taskforce, which will ensure that our party penetrates in the north. “We have eight teams in total compromising of Members of Parliament and councillors and branch members. The UDC will also revive all its party structures.” Meanwhile, the UDC has decided to erect a tombstone for the late leader, Gomolemo Motswaledi. Mmolotsi said the anniversary of Motswaledi’s passing, July 30, would also be commemorated with a rally in Serowe and a gala dinner. “During the dinner, we will have different speakers who will talk about the life of Motswaledi. His parents are working with us on that issue to see how this day can be celebrated. We will also have an opportunity to visit areas that he loved most in Serowe,” he said. He said they had informed Motswaledi’s family about their decision and the idea was welcomed.