25 Jul 2016

There were scenes of jubilant celebration as President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama officially introduced Okavango MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members during the party's Special Congress held at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School on June 22.

Wearing a red and white striped shirt, black trousers and red sleeveless jacket, the former Botswana Congress Party (BCP) MP ascended the podium briefly and thanked the party for extending a warm welcome to him. Mr Arone joined the BDP last month having served as BCP MP for the Okavango constituency since 2009. 

Welcoming delegates at the Special Congress, BDP chairman, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the party has established two extra regions, which have increased their number of regions from 12 to 14.

He urged democrats to continue promoting unity within the party ranks and to cooperate in order to fend off the challenge from opposition parties.

The two-day Special Congress resolved to hold early primary elections in all opposition held constituencies. Mr Ame Makoba, the party’s political officer, said primary elections would be held in October 2017 in all opposition held constituencies. He said the deadline for registration would be the end of June 2017 in those constituencies. For BDP held constituencies, Mr Makoba said primary elections would be held in October 2018, while the deadline for registration would be the end of June 2018.

The party stated that it would announce further resolutions of the Special Congress next week. Ends