BPF Launch Pulls Crowds
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 8, 2019 13:58
This was despite talks in some circles of impending attempts to block the launch in Kanye. The BPF led by interim president, Biggie Butale, is backed by former president Ian Khama who is its patron.
They are determined to ensure that their former party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), loses elections billed for October.
The launch will be followed by an elective congress, which will be held in Palapye in three weeks time.
Elections for officer bearers could not be held in Kanye since there were no properly organised structures.
The party is expected to set up structures that would take delegates to the congress.
Even though Khama had wanted BPF members to vote for their National Executive Committee (NEC) on Saturday, there are fears that some people may sponsor those who are not party members for ulterior motives.
“Our membership registration books will help us to know members better. People who will attend the congress will have membership cards and it (the congress) wouldn’t be open for people who are not members,” Butale said.
“Certain decisions need to be taken by congress after the members had fully discussed the issues and agreed on the matter.”
The BPF leader claimed that the party has representatives in all 57 constituencies, but they had since taken a decision that they would not contest all the seats.
“We are going to support Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in some constituencies and we do not have to attack each other. The reason why we have to cooperate with each other is to make sure the BDP loses power. If we do not cooperate then BDP would remain in power,” he said.
“But there would be constituencies where we are forced to field candidates. There is a reason why we are forced to do that in other areas and both party leaderships will discuss the issue at the right forum.” However, Butale could not disclose some of the constituencies they intend to contest in nor not field candidates in.
Meanwhile, the Botswana National Front and Botswana Congress Party representatives attended the BPF launch.