While the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) welcomes BDP sudden support for direct election of the state president, Leader of Opposition, Botsalo Ntuane has reiterated his known dislike of the idea dating back to his days as BDP executive secretary. At the Botswana National Front (BNF), the BDP's about-turn seems to have been received with caution. "We are not against direct election of a president, but we do not want to suit a particular organisation's interests. The BDP will not be doing it in good faith and this is undemocratic. They want to implement these reforms to solve their problems not those of Batswana," says BNF spokesman, Moeti Mohwasa. But BCP spokesman Taolo Lucas has no such inhibitions. He said they welcome the idea because for along time the party has been calling for direct election of the president. "Our position has always been that for our democracy to be meaningfully and participatory we need voters to directly elect their president," he said.
He added that the presidency is a powerful position and its occupant should derive legitimacy directly from voters.
