14 Apr 2024

Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has endorsed Mr Dumelang Saleshando as its presidential  candidate for the 2024  general elections.

Various speakers during the BCP presidential  candidate launch at the Notwane Grounds on Saturday took to the podium to throw their weight behind Mr Saleshando’s candidacy.

They cited his readiness and integrity to  be the country’s leader should the party claim state power in the next  general elections.

The party’s women’s wing chairperson, Ms Tshimologo Dingake commended Mr Saleshando for the role he played in promoting women’s participation in  politics.

“In recognition of the gender disparities in politics, Mr Saleshando took a bold decision when recently unveiling five female parliamentary candidates to contest under the BCP ticket in the next general election,” she said.

The BCP has fielded Dr Unity Dow in Kgatleng West, Ms Ethel Gampone in Mahalapye East, Ms Julia Chepete in Mogoditshane West, Ms Daisy Bathusi in Boteti East and Dr Mpho Pheko for Gaborone Central.

The move, she said, demonstrated Mr Saleshando’s  commitment towards women empowerment, adding that he had during his tenure as an MP advocated against gender-based violence, particularly on women and children. The representation of women in political parties, she said, was crucial for a vibrant and representative democracy.

She added that the women’s wing fully believed that Mr Saleshando had the interests of women and the girl child at heart, pleading with the country’s women to vote for the BCP in the general elections and ensure that Mr Saleshando becomes the next head of state.

Supporting Mr Saleshando’s presidential bid, former Mogoditshane MP, Mr Mokgweetsi Kgosipula said Botswana would be in good hands under the  leadership of Mr

Saleshando due to his wealth of knowledge on economics  and politics. “I have known Mr Saleshando from his youthful days as a student at the University of Botswana and I can certify that he has over the years demonstrated great leadership skills,” Mr Kgosipula  said.

BCP Vice President, Mr Taolo Lucas compared Mr Saleshando to the biblical ‘Moses’ who relieved the children of Israel from slavery.

As a graduate of economics and political science from the University of Botswana, Mr Lucas said the BCP leader had what it takes to relief Batswana  from unemployment, low wages and other social ills.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Saleshando urged BCP members to vigorously campaign in order to ensure victory in the general elections in honour of the late founding party president, Mr Michael Dingake.

“Let’s dedicate this year’s elections campaign in memory of Mr Dingake,  and the onus is on you as the voters to ensure that we honour him with a sounding victory in the upcoming general elections,” he said.

He said he was confident that the BCP could attain the 31 constituencies required to be declared the ruling party. “With proper hard work and  determination, the 31 constituencies could be easily won, therefore, we need to start working now,” he said.

He dismissed allegations that the BCP was ready to form a coalition government should they run short of winning the required number of constituencies. ENDS