Lime movement faces defining choice

Addressing BCP members, Saleshando said the party had reached a critical moment in its history, where it must decide whether it has the ambition and capacity to become a governing force in Botswana. He said the country’s political landscape had changed significantly and could no longer be described as the “de facto one-party democracy” often referenced by academics, where elections became a routine exercise that repeatedly returned one dominant party to power. Saleshando argued that Botswana’s electorate had demonstrated its willingness to use the ballot to bring about political change.

He said voters were unlikely to return to a system where one party remained in power for prolonged periods without serious competition.“Some may wish for a return to this history, but Botswana has tested the power of the ballot and is likely to use it to address its political realities and never return to voting for a single party over an extended period,” Saleshando said. He added that the BCP’s current gathering represented more than an internal party meeting, describing it as an opportunity to shape a significant chapter in the country’s political development. According to Saleshando, the party must now position itself as a credible alternative capable of responding adequately to the aspirations of Batswana.

He said the political environment presented an opportunity for the BCP to demonstrate that it could move beyond opposition politics and compete for national leadership. The remarks come as Botswana’s opposition parties continue to seek greater influence in a political system that was historically dominated by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which governed the country for nearly six decades before losing power in the 2024 general elections. Saleshando said the future of the BCP would depend on the choices made by its members and their willingness to embrace the responsibility of leading the country.

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He urged party members to view the moment as a turning point, saying the decisions taken now would determine whether the BCP becomes a governing party or remains on the sidelines of national politics. For decades, the Francistown-Nata road has witnessed countless accidents, many of them fatal. Families have lost loved ones. Businesses have suffered delays while motorists have repeatedly complained about the poor condition of the road.The opening of the new section is therefore welcome news and a reminder that investing in quality infrastructure can save lives.However, while the smooth new surface brings relief, it also comes with greater…

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