Saleshando was speaking at the just-ended BCP elective congress held at Makhubu Junior Secondary School over the President's Day holidays. He said members must understand that the party is greater than any individual.Saleshando cited Selebi-Phikwe saying primary elections have been a perennial source of conflict among party members in the copper nickel mining town. He noted that the 2004 and 2009 primary elections and subsequent by-elections saw some party members leaving to either join other parties or contest as independents.He said that there is no doubt that such conduct has adversely affected the growth of the party in Selebi-Phikwe and compromised chances of BCP victory.
"Last year there was a by-election held in Francistown West for Monarch West ward. The losing candidate for the primaries left the party. There have been increasing reports of unhealthy friction between party members in various parts of the country. Some incumbent councillors, who find themselves in financial difficulties or suspect that they will be defeated in a free and fair primary election, are choosing to bargain with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and sell our seats to the ruling party," said Saleshando.
