Kablay tells Saleshando to forget Motion of No Confidence
Leader of the Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando has been advised to focus on his mandate of fighting for the Umbrella for Democratic Change’s top seat inside of fighting President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
This was the ‘free advice’ dished out to Saleshando by Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chief Whip, Liakat Kablay in a brief interview with The Voice this week.
Kablay confirmed he was aware the Maun West legislator had submitted a Motion of No Confidence in Masisi on Sunday but stressed the ruling party’s hierarchy were confident it would come to nothing.
“There is nothing new that Saleshando is bringing through this motion. He is wasting his time and worse still, he is making himself a laughing stock,” insisted Kablay.
Going on the offensive, the pint-sized politician added it is common knowledge the UDC Members of Parliament are divided and thus he expects many will vote with the ruling party.
Asked if some of the BDPs MPs had lost trust in Masisi and might be tempted to vote against him, Kablay maintained it would not be enough to pass the motion.
“Should the motion be passed, it means we have collapsed government and we will be leaving too. There is no one from the BDP who can take that risk!”
He did, however, acknowledge there were allegations of some BDP MPs conniving and voting with the opposition.
“We know there can be a few who are out of order but I doubt they can take the risk of losing their jobs. The motion is not about Masisi but the rest of us. That is why we will have a caucus before the motion is called. We will not vote with the opposition on this motion instead it is the opposition MPs who will leave Saleshando and vote with us. He must focus on UDC issues and forget about wasting our time with such motions,” Kablay reiterated.
It is the second time the UDC have tabled a motion of no confidence against Masisi, following Botswana National Front (BNF) President, Duma Boko’s unsuccessful attempt back in 2018.
Meanwhile, Saleshando has confirmed his submission for the motion, explaining they simply have no confidence in the Masisi government.
“We are not expecting a speech that will regain our confidence,” he added, referring to the up-coming State of the Nation Address scheduled for this Monday.
