Battered BDP initiates reforms
Oarabile Mosikare | Wednesday September 9, 2015 16:30
Addressing the media yesterday, the BDP secretary general Botsalo Ntuane said the committee would engage with party members and report their findings to the central committee. “We have mandated them to identify experts to assist them,” said Ntuane.
He stated that the process is not new, as in 1995 the party held a special congress at Sebele that led to key electoral reforms.
Then, under the leadership of Sir Ketumile Masire, the party pushed, through Parliament, the lowering of the voting age to 18 and the establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). “That was the last time we embarked on the reforms,” said Ntuane.
He added that the central committee decision was a follow up to two resolutions passed in Mmadinare during the July congress. Ntuane said they are on track for the special congress slated for October 9 and 10 at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Gaborone. He said before the special congress in the morning of the 9th, President Ian Khama would have a special session with all councillors and Members of Parliament.
He also revealed that the party’s labour and wellness committee has met twice with Botswana Public Employees’ Union (BOPEU) over the on-going strike at the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS).
The committee, led by minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi also met with leaders of Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU).
“We plan to meet all the unions, including BOFEPUSU [Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions], to discuss issues of mutual interest.” Ntuane used the press briefing to condemn last Friday’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) demonstrations over power and water rationing.
“The march was a flop. Only 200 people turned up and we commend the people of Gaborone. That march didn’t provide any solution.”
He further said they demand an apology from the UDC for their rude songs and slogans against the state leadership. Ntuane said they would write to the UDC to demand an apology.
Lastly, the secretary general said they had successful primary elections at Boswelatlou ward in Lobatse, which were won by former councillor Zubeida Raphel. After two terms as councillor, Raphel was defeated by the UDC’s Kabelo Sebako, who has since resigned to return to his former employ. The by-election is scheduled for October 3.