The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been uninterruptedly in power for the past Fifty-five (55) years, all thanks to the fragmented opposition. As and when one would think the opposition is regrouping to provide an alternative for the nation, it seems the coalition is just cosmetic.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) which is the coalition of three (3) opposition parties; Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Botswana National Front (BNF), and Botswana People’s Party (BPP), as it appears, is having more problems than it looks from the outside.
While it is common knowledge that the fights are between some BNF and BCP members, Mbaakanyi Lenyatso of the BPP has joined the chorus of those throwing tantrums. Fighting from the corner of those attacking the BCP, Lenyatso says the BCP is the UDC grave mistake.
“Congress or no Congress as long as BCP is part of UDC, then UDC should just forget about winning elections.” he held.
Some BCP members have been advocating for an electoral congress where the new UDC leadership will be voted. Some even advocated for a congress that would lead to a total merger of all UDC contracting parties.
According to Lenyatso, the “BCP clearly and oponely didn’t support other partners in 2019 elections.” He says some even campained for BDP candidates and surpported with resources to block their contacting partners candidates to win. “They had this othopele mokhaselara then obo o thopa Mopalamente wa domi [vote our Councillor, then vote for BDP Member of Parliament] . They will do the same in 2024. They even fielded and sponsored an independent candidate against Molapise.” Lenyatso alleged.
While the BCP is termed as the black sheep within the UDC, and while it is being blamed for devastating UDC loss South of Dibete, it should be noted that in 2014 when BCP was not part of the UDC coalition, the coalition still lost the election. Later on the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) would be blamed for unrests within UDC, and ultimately getting expelled.
