BCP awaits approval of 17 constituencies
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday June 6, 2017 17:13
Following completion of talks between the UDC and BCP, which saw the latter allocated 17 of the 57 constituencies, there have been reports that Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), an affiliate of UDC, is pushing to be given more seats.
BPP was allocated four seats from the 40 constituencies, which were shared between them and other UDC affiliates, the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana National Front (BNF) to contest in 2019. The BNF got the lion’s share of 22 constituencies followed by BCP with 17 while Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has 14. Constituencies allocated to BPP are Tati West, Tati East, Serowe South and Serowe North. However, BPP has gone public about its unhappiness, demanding to be allocated more seats. When addressing a press conference yesterday, the former Gaborone Central legislator said that he had not seen any correspondence from the BPP or UDC complaining about allocation of constituencies. He said that BCP was in negotiations with the UDC, which resulted in the party being allocated 17 constituencies, and the three UDC contracting partners sharing 40. “How the three UDC affiliates shared the 40 constituencies has no business with BCP. I have read about those issues, but I have not seen any correspondence from the complaining party. I therefore say it would be improper for me to get into the issue,” he said.
Saleshando added, “and in the 17 constituencies allocated to us, it is up to us who we field”. Meanwhile, the BCP president could not say whether he will be contesting elections in 2019. He said that the party’s central committee would make the decision on whether he should contest. Secretary general, Kentse Rammidi stated that it would be desirable for the party president to contest elections. He said that for issues of proportional representation, they believe party leaders should be Members of Parliament. He said that once a decision has been made on whether the president contests elections in 2019, the party would also look for a suitable constituency for him. “There is also an option to negotiate with other UDC affiliates if we cannot find him a suitable constituency to swap constituencies, but I am certain that we would find one in the 17 we have been allocated,” said Rammidi. Rammidi also stated that the party would hold its congress in July where they will discuss, among others, preparations for the primary elections.