11 Mar 2019

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Western region that comprises four constituencies, Kgalagadi North, Kgalagadi South, Ghanzi North and Ghanzi South have endorsed President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for the position of the party president against former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi-Venson-Moitoi in the upcoming special congress to be held in Kang on April 5.

In an interview, Western region secretary, Mr Milton Moseru said they endorsed President Masisi to maintain party’s status quo, which stated  that the sitting president should lead the party to the national polls.

Earlier in his remarks, Vice President, also BDP chairperson, Mr Slumber Tsogwane called for a peaceful party special congress and urged members to remain united in preparations for the congress.

In addition, Mr Tsogwane appealed to democrats not to display any form of undesirable conduct during the congress to maintain the good reputation their party was known for.

On other issues, he encouraged party members to work in unison so that the party wins against opposition

He also noted that Dr Masisi upon his assumption of the highest office, had availed his roadmap, through which he urged party members to support him to achieve his aspirations.

So far, he said that it was promising that the President’s consultations with different community members on issues that affect them such as the recent launched consultations on the lifting of the hunting ban, review of alcohol levy, resuscitation of the public service bargaining council would bear fruit.

For his part, BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi, also the aspiring candidate for Gaborone North encouraged party members to serve the party with heightened commitment for the party to emerge victorious in the coming general elections.

He also urged aspiring party candidates for parliamentary and council seats and those who lost in the primary elections in 2018 to put their differences aside and work together as a team with a common goal of defending their constituencies and even winning more constituencies from the hands of the opposition.

He further cautioned party members to desist from the habit of dragging the party name into disrepute by running to the radio stations with party issues without following the right procedures.

He said the perpetrators would be dealt with accordingly and added that they should all familiarise themselves with the party constitution to avoid fall outs.

In his welcome remarks, Western region chairperson, Mr Keorapetse Ralehika said that preparations for the special congress were going well.

He lauded the party for trusting them to host an event of such a magnitude, as he said that their region would be the first to host the national council that has long been held in Gaborone in the past 57 years. ENDS