BCP youth demand start of opposition talks
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday July 27, 2016 13:49
The party’s youth say if the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has internal issues to deal with, then the president of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Duma Boko and BCP leader Dumelang Saleshando should lead the talks.
“Again UDC has leadership. We believe negotiation could still take place. Boko and Dumelang can still assist on how talks can take place. This is a national project therefore it should not be delayed for long,” the president of the BCPYL Tumiso Rakgare said, addressing journalists on Monday.
“We don’t want our mother body to respond in writing because I sit on the executive committee. I hope the committee will respond to our questions after the party conference that will be held in Shakawe end of this month,” Rakgare said. The youth league submitted their letter to their party executive committee same day, on Monday.
“We are worried by the delay in cooperation talks because time is not with us. The ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is holding its primaries next year in opposition held constituencies. Therefore opposition also needs time to prepare themselves. Negotiations cannot start next year.”
Rakgare said the other thing they requested from the party is to negotiate that there should be open elections for party primaries to allow capable candidates to contest.
“We believe that incumbency cannot take us anywhere. At times we disadvantage credible candidates by not allowing people to go for primaries. For example, you might find that BMD could be having a good candidate in a constituency that has been given to BCP or BNF. For us to select a good candidate then we should go for primaries as three parties. The database will be consolidated into one only for primary elections,” Rakgare said.
On other issues, Rakgare said while they appreciate the good work by President Ian Khama in his presidential competitions for the youth, a lot needs to be done regarding arts in the country.
“For us to take arts seriously in this country, there is need to include it in the curriculum and syllabuses in schools. This would help musicians produce good quality music and there should be a law that compels companies to use traditional groups in their events,” he said.