Busy weekend for political parties

Staff Writer | Friday July 30, 2010 00:00

The major opposition parties - the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and the Botswana National Front (BNF) - are engaged in various political campaigns in the rural areas where the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) commands massive following.

In the Shoshong area, the BNF is scheduled to hold political rallies to celebrate victory in the last general election and welcome new members, according to spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa. In a statement released yesterday, the party says it will tomorrow celebrate the victory of their Mmutane Ward councillor, Phathalalo Magogodi.

'The ward was won by the BNF in the 2009 general election after being under the control of the ruling party since independence,' said Mohwasa.

On Sunday the BNF will hold a motorcade around Shoshong village before staging a huge rally later in the afternoon.  ' New members will be welcomed into the party at both events,' added Mohwasa.

Meanwhile, the BMD juggernaut  is set to roll into the North West regions of the country. The party will hold a big rally in Maun tomorrow.

According to its interim regional chairman for Maun, Isa Phoi, the rally is aimed at winning the 'hearts and minds of many in Botswana's premier tourism region and make a lasting impression on the people of Ngamiland'.

The venue of the rally is Maun West whose Member of Parliament (MP) Kgosi Tawana Moremi, has been associated with the BMD, though he has not defected from the BDP yet.

Phoi says the party wants to turn Maun, the headquarters of Ngamiland, into one of its strongholds. Events preceding the rally will include a motorcade from the venue of the rally to Boseja Ward and back. Phoi says although they have not finalised the line-up of speakers, preparations are at an advanced stage.

Like previous BMD rallies, the Maun meeting has the potential to unveil more BDP defectors. The BMD is also expected to introduce its interim leadership to the people of Ngamiland.

Local kwaito-kwasa star Slizer, Afro-pop muso Ashley Gops and the BMD choir will provide entertainment.

However, sources within the party reveal that the party's top leadership, led by chairman Gomolemo Motswaledi, has been in the Ngamiland and the Ghanzi regions for weeks now, presenting the party's draft policy document to the people.

A source close to the delegation said they were satisfied with the discussions and feedback they have had in these communities.

Meanwhile the ruling BDP will be in Lobatse holding in-house meetings to consult with branches. 

Secretary of the BDP publicity committee McDonald Peloetletse says the meetings are close-door and thus 'open to members only'.

And Thato Osupile of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) says although the party will not have any major event this weekend, it continues to prepare for the launch of the Tonota North candidate Dr Habaudi Hobona. Hobona is to be launched next week.