BCP,BAM Merge

By Frederick Kebadiretse and
Lekopanye Mooketsi | Monday May 17, 2010 00:00

 

The new BCP was officially launched at a rally in White City, Gaborone on Saturday and followed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the two parties on Friday.

Outgoing BCP vice-president Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang said the party would continue using the BCP constitution until the July congress where a new central committee will be elected, and any necessary changes to the constitution made.

BAM president, Ephraim Setshwaelo said there is need for opposition parties to be united to defend democracy which has been deteriorating at an alarming rate.

'A united opposition can protect democracy, we came together for this good cause,' said Setshwaelo.

He called on civic organisations to work with the new party towards this goal.

Setshwaelo said the introduction of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) has put a dent on the international image of the country that has been viewed as democratic. He said current events could lead to dictatorships such as experienced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during Mobuto Sese Seko's reign and in Uganda when Idi Amin was president.

BCP president, Gil Saleshando reiterated the need for a united opposition. 'We should work together to unseat the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP),' he appealed.  He said the two parties were answering a national call for unity and said the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is now tired as evidenced by their failure to address pertinent issues affecting the nation while focusing on internal party wars.

'It is high time we change because the country needs some change,' said Saleshando. He added that the BCP has proved that a party can be run successfully without any factions.

He said unlike other political parties in the country that have been rocked by internal fighting, the BCP prides itself on unity and peace. 'Those who think we are going to fight for positions as we are heading for congress, hard luck because you will have to wait much longer for that to happen, we are not selfish,' he said. He expressed hope that with the merger, they will be able to work together, recruit more members so that their voice can be heard and ultimately take over government.

Veteran politician, Motsamai Mpho urged the new BCP to continue with their solidarity and pursued other opposition parties to join them as the country needs a strong united opposition to dethrone the BDP. Mpho and BCP founding president, Michael Dingake were some of the personalities who attended the rally in support of the merging initiative.