BDP lacks confidence on its president - Saleshando

Botswana Congress Party (BCP) President, Dumelang Saleshando says the ruling party does not have confidence in their leader.

He stated that the reasons behind refusal by Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to support for direct election of head of state is that the party does not have confidence in its leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Saleshando said in all the amendments proposed to the national Constitution, there is nothing on the direct election of the president even though there has been a huge support for that from the public during consultations done by the Presidential Commission of Enquiry on the Review of the Constitution.

“The BDP always adopt a position that favours its leader. They had President Ian Khama who never attended Parliament. Now we have president Masisi who also does as he pleases. We have a president who everything he does is about him. BDP cannot agree to the direct election of the president because they know their leader would not make the cut,” said Saleshando.

Saleshando who was last weekend launched in Gaborone as the BCP’s presidential candidate for 2024 general elections expressed concern that the country’s constitution protects the president more than anything else. He said this is a big issue which should not be taken lightly. He said the constitution gives the president more powers.

“The constitutional review was a sham. Everything was done by the president and doing so to suit himself. There was also shortage of basic knowledge of what a review is and what it entails. We will however come up with amendments in Parliament. We know they will use their numbers in Parliament but we cannot just sit and do nothing. Those that love this country will use their conscience to support our amendments,” said Saleshando.

He said the same applies to the Political Party Funding Bill. He said the law is not about levelling the playing ground but about empowering the ruling party's dominance. According to Saleshando, the law has to be about a party that can better manage itself.

“We want the law that will deliver fairness. Funds are just one of the components of winning elections, sometimes splashing funds can be a source of your loss in elections,” said the BCP leader. He stated that the BCP remains laser focused on winning state power. He expressed confidence that come October this year, he will be marching to the state house and Office of the President. According to Saleshando, BCP is sure of winning 31

constituencies.

“The year 2024 is a year of choice. When you take me and those we are competing with, you can see that the only choice you have is me. Let us save Botswana and I am the right person for the presidency of this country. It is going to be a long and slow ride for our competitors. We are not worried by being de-campaigned. Our focus is on state power and I am convinced that we will get the majority of seats to take over government,” stated Saleshando.

The BCP is currently the only party which has concluded its primary elections and has started launching its candidates. According to Saleshando, the pace they have set is clear indication that the BCP is serious about the lives of Batswana.