Botswana Congress Party (BCP) President Dumelang Saleshando has said he has no doubt that he will retain Gaborone Central parliamentary seat amidst debates about who will win between him, Gomolemo Motswaledi of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)’s Rupert Hambira and Independent candidate Sidney Baitsile.
“We have massive support in Gaborone Central, I therefore urge you to work hard to ensure that we retain what is ours”, he said at the launch of his party’s manifesto.
Saleshando said his party needs to be applauded for increasing its number of Members of Parliament to eight and not losing a single MP to other parties since the 2009 general elections. He said this is a sign that Batswana are tired of the BDP rule and ready to be led by the BCP. He said that a comparison of the BCP manifesto with that of the BDP proves beyond doubt that his party has better ideas than the latter.
The BCP President also crticised the BDP for its ‘there is still no alternative slogan’ arguing that it cannot be possible given the rate of unemployment, poverty and power and water shortages besieging Botswana. Saleshando also said the BCP will enact a law on citizen economic empowerment to empower Batswana.
Saleshando decried the money wasted in unfinished projects such as Morupule B, stadia, airpots and other infrastructure adding that its a clear sign that the ruling party is tired.
For her part, the party Women’s wing President Tebogo Dingake hailed the party for having trust in women and placing them in high positions such as that of the Party Chairperson, Motsei Rapelana and the only female opposition MP Habaudi Hubona. Dingake said it was worrying that women make over 50% of the population and voters but are still not visible in high positions. She said, “women can only make it to high positions only if they could be awarded equal economic opportunities in all sectors including education, health, agriculture and tourism, but what we see now is that women trade in small businesses where they are also given a tough time by council officials. These women need to be encouraged, and that is what BCP will do”.