BRP ready for 2024 polls - Butale
The President of Botswana Republican Party (BRP), Biggie Butale has expressed confidence that his newly-formed political movement will have an impact in this year’s general election.
Butale announced his new political home after several legal battles in an attempt to reclaim the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), which he says was stolen from him by newcomers. BPF was formed in 2019 by some disgruntled members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
The BPF experienced factional wars especially with the National Executive Committee (NEC) post the 2019 general election. The road became bumpy for Butale when he was accused of sexually abusing one of the party’s youth league members.
He was suspended from the party, but sought recourse from the courts of law. Unfortunately, the party executive committee took a decision to expel him from the BPF following a recommendation from the disciplinary committee.
Butale revealed this week that he has decided to form a new party because he discovered that trying to hang on and fight for the BPF was not bearing any fruit.
“I had to bid farewell to the party I loved so much. I tried to hang on but sometimes holding onto something is a drawback. This is why me and others took a decision to form BRP. We are starting a new phase, a new journey that will free Batswana,” he said.
He said newcomers joined the BPF with an intention to take the party from him. Butale explained that his dignity was abused and his name dragged in the mud.
“They wanted to take the party to serve their own interests. My name was soiled at any opportunity they got. I am happy that what they intended to do failed,” he said.
According to the former Member of Parliament and cabinet member, the reason why they could not join other political parties is because there are people who believe in his leadership style and are confident that he can rescue Batswana.
He stated that BRP is not just a political party but is also a pillar of hope for Batswana, a movement for change and a home for those who believe in democracy, fairness and transparency.
Butale pointed out that the focus of his party is Batswana not individuals. He said his party is ready for the 2024 general election and will perform well.
He indicated that it is only the BRP that can free Batswana as it has their interests at heart. He believes that BRP will perform well the same way that BPF managed to under his leadership in 2019.
BRP has since called for expression of interest from members who will want to contest for council and parliamentary seats in this year’s general election.
According to the party, this will help in establishing how many constituencies they will be contesting in and how many members are keen in contesting for council and parliamentary seats.