Stay true to BCP’s principles and values - Lucas
The Vice President of Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Taolo Lucas, has challenged members of his party to always stick to and live by the party’s key principles and values.
He said this will help their party to stay united and prepared to attain power in 2029. BCP stands for certain principles and values. Lucas, who was speaking at the BCP Women’s League elective congress during the President's Holidays in Lobatse, stated that the BCP believes in Participatory Democracy where all persons must take part in decisions that affect the country and themselves.
“We also believe in good governance. Good governance is important for running the country. We believe in all principles of human rights, which are the right to health, shelter, education, and social security. We cherish Social Justice as a value where there is fair distribution of resources and opportunities”, Mmolotsi said.
Lucas, who is also a Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, called on members of the BCP to put the principles and values ahead of everything else. He said people should know and understand the BCP and its members through these values and principles.
“All BCP members must be known by these principles and values. You must remain resilient and defend them. We must prepare to take power in 2029. The BCP has 15 MPs, which means we only need 16 MPs to take over power.
We have to work hard. Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is in power, but we are the main opposition. UDC was never ready for power, that is why they are struggling to run the government”, Lucas told the congress.
According to Lucas, the UDC just bumped into power, and they were not prepared. He said this is why, as the BCP, they have to prepare, and this should be done by strengthening the party structures from Cells, Wards, Branches, regions, and the Central Committee. The BCP leader indicated that they can use the remaining four to prepare and be ready to lead the country and change the lives of Batswana.
Lucas called on the Women’s League to work hard to build its structures and participate fully in other structures. He expressed concern that women lead in Ward structures, but their numbers decline when it comes to branches and regions. He said they are not happy that in Parliament, out of 15, there is only one woman MP. He said this has to change, and women should participate more.
Lucas has called on those who lost elections to support those voted into office to help the women and the party at large. He cautioned the party members against name-soiling so that they can win elections. According to Lucas, using lies to win elections has consequences. He referenced UDC, saying it lied during the 2024 general elections campaign, which is why it is currently failing to run the government.
“This is for the benefit of the party. Elections are a two-way thing; it is a win-lose. If you don’t like to lose, then you should not participate. If you have grievances, raise them, but ensure you work for the party.
We do not want to see the party being taken to court over matters that could have been solved internally. I am giving this counselling to the losers because I have the best experience when it comes to losing. I know how it feels and how to deal with it, so take it from me”, Lucas stated.
Regarding the health of the party’s president, Dumelang Saleshando, Lucas reported that their leader is in good health and will fully return to duty next week.
He said the president requested to be excused from attending the congress, even though he is feeling better, so that he can fully recover. He revealed that the president has been briefed on everything regarding the party and Parliament business.