Exeunt the dove, enter a cow at new BCP

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Friday April 9, 2010 00:00

 

The new party will use the old BCP constitution. Addressing the press conference, BCP secretary general, Taolo Lucas, said executive committees and the membership of the two parties had agreed that the party's colours would be lime green, black and white.  The new party's disc will bear 'Botswana Congress Party' and feature a black cow on top, replacing the white dove and rainbow on the old BCP disc. 

 Lucas said they will elect the party's central committee by July, while the party will be led by members of the two parties' old central committees.

'The merger is a milestone in our political history,' said Lucas.

 'It marks a historical moment that can easily become the turning point of our democracy and economy.

'The merger of the two parties is an example of what determination, willpower, tolerance and respect for each other can produce. It is this merger that should tell everyone that unity of opposition parties is possible. It is such unity that shall mark the end of the BDP misrule.'

He said the new party would be launched in the second week of May 2010. Speaking at the same press conference, BAM president, Ephraim Setshwaelo, said he would not contest for the party presidency at the congress scheduled for July in Maun.

 'I will not stand for that position, but I'll definitely stand for other positions,' he said.

Though it is not clear who from the former BAM will stand for the presidency of the new party, Gaborone Central MP, Dumelang Saleshando, has confirmed that he will stand for the post.