BMD, UDC war far from over – Mangole

Botswana Movement for Democracy’s (BMD) Secretary General Gilbert Mangole says the party will not drop its court case against Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), in which it is challenging the decision to expel them from the opposition coalition.

Mangole said their war with the UDC is far from over for now, noting that they will fight for their unfair dismal from the opposition coalition to the bitter end.

He confirmed that the UDC has since been served with court papers.

He said the party is keen on continuing with the case despite UDC’s reluctance to respond to the court papers served on them.  Mangole remained optimistic that since their case will be heard soon.  

“Yes, we are still going ahead with our case that we have filed against UDC. Nothing will stop us from that, though UDC is yet to respond to the papers we served them with. We are just waiting for the court to call us and face UDC,” said the outspoken Mangole.

Mangole, who is also MP for Kgatleng West, expressed concern over what he terms the unfair dismal of the BMD in UDC coalition over an accusation that the movement was acting against the interests of UDC.

Mangole pointed out that they are not afraid of UDC without any doubt.

“We as the BMD when we talk about the UDC project we know what we are talking about, what this alliance means to us. Yes, they decided to kick us out and thought they have solved anything. We don’t care about them now because we know we will meet on the other side of the table and we have no intention to approach them for reconciliation the ball is on the court to decide what is next,’’ he charged.

Asked if the case was not impeding their preparations for elections, Mangole said his party is not on panic mode, maintaining there were no circumstances under which they can drop the case.

He ruled out possibilities of the BMD contesting elections solo or not owning the UDC banner, oozing with confidence that the party will emerge victorious at court.

“I know some people are saying the procedure that we have taken will hamper our preparations for elections. No, not for us! As I speak we will have a meeting with all our candidates to map the way forward in kick starting the campaign and all is okay with us. We are not sure about the other side (UDC). We are not in any panic mode”.

Mangole said his party was still viable, refuting claims by some who say the party is just not worth it as what remains is the shadow of the once formidable Orange movement.