16 Dec 2019

 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has applauded electorates for demonstrating profound faith in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) at the October polls.

 Speaking at a thanksgiving luncheon, President Masisi expressed gratitude to all who worked tirelessly in ensuring that the BDP retained power.

Describing 2019 as the most eventful year in BDP history, he said for the first time a sitting president was challenged for the party presidency position adding that it signified  inner party democracy maturation.

Another unprecedented event was the defection of the immediate past party president to the opposition in an effort to destabilise and dethrone the BDP, he said.

Yet another first for Botswana, the President said, was the contesting of  election results in the courts which he said was an expression of confidence in the rule of law the country was renowned for.

The 2019 elections, he said,  were characterised by muscling and character assassination acts spearheaded by opposition party leaders which however did not dampen BDP spirits but made them more determined to ensure the party won.

President Masisi admitted the pre-election propaganda aimed at discrediting the BDP had an impact on the campaign strategy “thus it is fitting to applaud all those who ensured that the BDP comes out victorious post elections”.

Pointing out that the party’s Palapye retreat and its Kang congress were some of the most trying BDP gatherings, the President  however said they rebuilt and united it even deeper.Amidst all the political uncertainty, President Masisi said the county remained resolute in wanting the BDP to lead governance.He commended BDP veterans for the role they played in reconciling the party structures.

 The President said the strategy to bring party veterans on board dubbed ‘Goora motho’ bore fruit in stabilising the party and brought a new sense of vibrancy in the BDP.

President Masisi also expressed gratitude to the youth for coming up with the ‘Cava’ slogan which enabled the BDP to properly  position itself and be more appealing to young voters.

 “The political campaigns should end with the 2019 election fever but roll on to the 2024 general elections which are also in the horizon,” he said.

President Masisi also applauded and acknowledged various local business communities for supporting the BDP.

‘The time is now that the BDP explores ways to improve its operations and makes them at par with the modern political and economic challenges which are complex in nature and that could be achieved by strengthening the party systems,” he said.

He said the BDP remained steadfast to deliver on its manifesto and improve the welfare of Batswana.ENDS