MARCHING TOWARDS 2019 The Political landscape of Botswana has since 24/10/2014 changed significantly when many old faces at Parliament were dropped and replaced by new youthful and female opposition MPs. The nature, vibrancy and content of issues up for discussion in parliament are bound to change as many quality opposition voices have since been added to the house. This PLM release is intended to attempt to put the whole opposition movement into perspective, attempts shall also be made at suggesting how the scenario could best be exploited to forge a favourable outcome come 2019. Victory is not guaranteed at the 2019 elections comrades. Freedom, justice, equality and happiness for all are hardly ever handed over without a fight, they are to be fought for, died for and finally taken. It was however acknowledged at the PLM think tank that it was rather too early to read into the possible trends that opposition politics in Botswana are to follow given their recent electoral gains. This release was thus sanctioned as a mere eye opener on the political landscape of our opposition politics and a possible progressive culture that could emerge out of a solid and united opposition. The PLM is not the revolutionary command council of Botswana opposition. Parties represented at the Botswana Parliament have structures with which they discuss and channel their activities as per their constitutions, Party procedures and regulations. It must be noted however that the PLM has operatives within the said opposition parties. There are several committees that work behind the scenes to align the movements activities with those of the parties, something that is meant to compliment their activities and help in their mobilization of the masses whenever such need arises. Opposition parties are therefore advised to feel free to contact the current secretary of the PLM for assistance in matters where the movement is relevant. The majority of Batswana both at the polls and outside the elections realm are in rejection of the current BDP led Government. The majority vote is currently being shared by two opposition parties, a plus for the country because it makes it easier for the two to either combine forces and topple the BDP or mobilize their majority to push for reforms. There were as many people who registered for elections as were those that registered. Of the registered, more than half chose opposition. The unregistered usually stay away due to disgruntlement at the electoral exercise and this time around due to failure by opposition to unite in order to oust the ruling party. It therefore goes without saying that a united opposition if mobilized tactfully could be the only guarantee for victory come 2019. The PLM has noted that there is a lively and interactive culture between party representatives and their grassroots activists. Rallies are held, press releases issued and conferences held to assert the parties positions and inform the masses. As a way to lay the foundation for future activities, representatives are encouraged to have cellphone contacts of their followers and maintain both cyber and physical contact wherever possible. It can never be over emphasized as to how effective the combination of print media articles, social media interactive discussions and the basics of human to human contact are, as far is mobilization of the masses is concerned. More opposition representatives and activists are finding it appropriate and strategic to engage daily on social media especially Facebook. Allow us to recognize efforts being made in this regard by Comrades such as Hon Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, Hon Sedirwa Kgoroba, Hon Noah Salakae, Hon Phenyo Butale, Hon Bagalatia Arone, Hon Sesupo Jacobs and Hon Presidents Duma Boko, and Dumelang Saleshando, and their VPs in Hon Ndaba Gaolathe and Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang. The recent workout by opposition MPs in protest of the BDPs utter disregard for the majorities that beat BDP candidates at their respective constituencies is a highly welcome development. The comrades have proven their mantle and have since set a tone that we at PLM believe is indicative of better things to come. Walkouts were also common during the times of BNF as the main opposition, however, what gives them much weight now is the fact that they are effected by a combined and larger opposition representation in Parliament. A mere call by the Honourable MPs for party followers to engage in similar activities is therefore guaranteed to find a willing constituency due to their exemplary walkouts. Mention also is to be made of those comrades that slug it out at the battle trenches of political parites. Some of these Comrades are Al Mokopane, Moncho Kebonyethebe Moncho, Nehemiah Modubule, Tshiamo Rantao, Lotty Manyepedza, Kabo Diamond Moseki, Pamela Dube- Kelepang, Refiloe Aphiri, Shana Mogende, Kgosigadi Nthabiseng, Riko Hengari Riko, Ontshabetse Sokwa, Comrades Tambona Jopi, Opelo Tshiamo, Diphetogo Magosh Maswapi, Tobokani Rari, Jabu Oteng, Chilliboy Rakgare, Oitsile Chiepe, Brains K Kwadipane, Kapuka David, David Motsamai, Mpho Chingapani, Comrade Monang, Mpho Kgomotso and many others who we could not list here due to their professional commitments. These comrades and many others not mentioned here have long positioned themselves as both official and unofficial party propagandists. Most are volunteers whose dedication elevates them and places them as valuable citizens who have the well-being of their Nation at heart. The PLM as usual waits by the sidelines and is willing to assist through its underground operatives who have been instructed to work in unison with other revolutionaries. Haphazard actions that do not bring all stakeholders on board usually fail to bring about desired results due to their non corporate-like approach at effecting change. Comrades are therefore advised to take their time in planning activities such as rallies, protests and others. It is at the moment important that PLM operatives be roped in whenever Parties aim to engage in street protests or any other forms of mass action. Working with the PLM is neither a sign weakness nor strategic inadequacy by the opposition. Revolutionary organisations, Labour Unions and others have always worked together in harmony to reach common goals as a collective. Some Civil organisations such as Ditshwanelo have been identified as too close to the ruling party for them to close the gap that others like the PLM attempt to cover. Lastly, we wish to caution that it is self defeating for one sector of the opposition to work harmoniously in Parliament while other well to do comrades hold public rallies that fan discord between the parties. Combined planning, coordination and the meticulous execution of strategies through carefully selected tactics are what is needed to maintain the anti BDP momentum. The ruling party emerges out of the past elections a battered lot who have since vowed to do all in their power to reverse their electoral misfortunes. It is therefore crucial that comrades up their game to counter what the splashing of funds and giving unrealistic promises by the BDP could do to our gains thus far. Thank you PLM Publicity Desk.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 09:22:25 +0000
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