Press Release

14th October 2022

The Alliance for Progressives (AP) and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) wish to brief the nation about the continuing negotiations between the two parties. These negotiations are meant to design an electoral vehicle that will facilitate a credible and sustainable change of government in 2024.

It must be recalled that this partnership and negotiations evolved from a resolution of the meeting of all opposition Party Presidents where all political parties represented at that meeting agreed to submit their position paper on Cooperation. To this end, only
AP and BCP submitted positions papers.

The two Parties met again on the 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022 to continue the negotiations. Having found each other, the following were discussed and concluded:

* setting of different streams; identifying common policy frameworks; commitment to the values of transparency, equality and equity during the negotiations; as well as the need
to ensure that the new political vehicle is not owned by any individual, but Batswana.

The negotiating team also reflected on the country’s electoral systems and processes, noted where the current electoral laws and system have frustrated Batswana’s efforts to change government.

In accordance with this observation, the negotiators resolved
to put together a task team to identify structural loopholes that facilitate rigging as this is critical in facilitating electoral integrity and ensuring smooth change of government in 2024.

Important to highlight is that because this is a national platform, the two parties remain open to like-minded, progressive forces that wish to be part of this national call. On this note, we are delighted to announce to the nation that we have since received expression of interest from the newly-formed Botswana Labour Party (BLP).

Any stakeholder that wishes to be part of this ambitious and necessary platform should formally write to the Secretariat, AP/BCP Negotiation Team (apbcptalks@gmail.com). The two parties will meet again on the 25th, 26th & 27th October 2022.

We conclude by urging Batswana to be inspired and encouraged by the recent political developments in Lesotho. Batswana should also remember that any change program should be led by leaders with a high sense of integrity and a deep commitment to our beloved country and the citizenry.

Mmaotho Segotso                               Mpho M. Pheko       

AP Publicity Secretary                  BCP Publicity Secretary