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BPF to possibly rejoin UDC – Molapisi

BPP members
BPP members

FRANCISTOWN: Botswana People's Party (BPP) president and chairperson of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Motlatsi Molapisi, has said there is a possibility of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) rejoining the coalition following the election victory in the 2024 polls

He was addressing an audience at the BPP leadership forum held over the weekend at Bluetown Hall. In his address, he noted that they don't expect to gain additional constituencies in 2029 or the future, as they have already secured the majority of those allocated to them. Molapisi suggested that if a party representative receives 40% or less of the vote in their allocated constituency, then negotiations may be possible for that area. "We don't anticipate gaining any more seats or constituencies because of the outstanding work of the party's delegates," he stated. Additionally, Molapisi said since BPF won in Shashe East if it rejoins the UDC, the constituency will be allocated to the same party. "We must realise that we cannot claim Shashe West in any form. We were given seven seats, so if the BPF rejoins the UDC, we'll only have six seats left," the BPP president explained. He also noted that the BPP has a better chance of receiving the Nkange and Selebi-Phikwe West constituencies due to their agreements.

Furthermore, he emphasised that the UDC needs to analyse why they won by a larger margin. Molapisi urged party members to understand the reasons behind their victory and to focus on strategies for continuing that success, rather than becoming complacent. The purpose of the meeting was to express gratitude to the BPP and UDC for their collaborative efforts in winning the elections. He indicated that the coalition had secured 17 council seats and five parliamentary seats. Despite this strong performance, the BPP president pointed out that they lost the Tati East parliamentary seat, indicating a need for reassessment in that constituency. He also encouraged BPP members to commit to continuous efforts to help the party grow. Molapisi expressed his desire to congratulate the election winners whilst also offering consolation to those who weren't successful. He mentioned that a review of various constituencies will follow, which will then be forwarded to the central committee. Reflecting on the recent victory, the BPP president stated that their aim in winning the polls is to enhance the standard of living for the people of Botswana. Secretary for Political Education of the BPP and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane, expressed gratitude to the members for their efforts in securing the party's parliamentary presence and making history. Through BPP members' support they have also won about 20 council seats, he added.

Additionally, Moswaane thanked President Duma Boko for the coalition government. "He makes sure that there is equal party representation of BPP, Alliance for Progressives (AP), Botswana National Front (BNF) and even included Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) as part of his Cabinet," he continued. He described Boko as a strategic and inclusive leader who appointed a young person and an independent candidate to the Cabinet.
Editor's Comment
A step in the right direction

It has only been a month since the newly elected government, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), took power, and there are already a lot of changes. Across different ministries, ministers are hard at work. Following heavy rainfall and storms that hit Francistown recently, the Minister of State Presidency, Moeti Mohwasa, made a commitment that government will assist those affected by the heavy rains. Mohwasa, when addressing the media in...

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