17 Jul 2014

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has launched its parliamentary candidate for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency.

Launching Dr Alfred Madigele and councilors, Tati East MP, Mr Samson Guma appealed to Dr Madigele to work jointly with village elders, public servants and local authorities. He said some people, when elected, tended to undermine their electorates and felt superior.

He implored Dr Madigele and the council candidates to spread information about government programmes, adding that BDP was the only party that could rule the country better than other political parties.

Mr Guma told the candidates that they would not be working but volunteering, so they should serve electorates diligently and should always work closely with the public servants. He also urged the candidates to be patient, tell the truth and be accessible to electorates.

He appealed to those who lost In and had frictions in the last primary elections to forgive each other and work together for the party to win the coming general elections.

Regarding problems such as unemployment and corruption, he assured electorates that the ruling government was doing a lot to fight against that. Mr Guma indicated that economic recession affected developments which were in the national plans, which forced government to defer some planned projects.

Another speaker, former deputy speaker for National Assembly and Member of Parliament for Thamaga, Ms Gladys Kokorwe told the rally that BDP had programmes aimed at elevating the lives of Batswana; therefore they should continue voting the party.

Ms Kokorwe said such programmes included ISPAAD and LIMID. She criticised private newspapers for writing untruths about the president.

Kanye North parliamentary candidate, Mr Patrick Ralotsia expressed concern about some BDP members who lost in the primary elections and resorted to violence against those who won while others opted to contest as independent candidates.

Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Mr Bernard Bolele told Dr Madigele that electorates voted him because they trusted him, so he should not disappoint them after winning the elections. He said he should be conversant with people’s problems, rather than being boastful about being an MP.

Mr Bolele said even though there was unemployment the government has introduced Ipelegeng and internship programmes to assist Batswana, adding that there is free education and health services.

Appealing to electorates Dr Madigele promised to work jointly with electorates in his constituency if voted into power. He said he will seek advice and ideas from the current MP Mr Siele. ENDS