01 Mar 2016

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) deputy treasurer, Mr Jagdish Shah has implored democrats in the Francistown East constituency to redouble their efforts in order to retain the constituency in 2019.

Speaking at the constituency’s fund raising dinner on Saturday, Mr Shah said Francistown East is one of the difficult constituencies to win. He said in the last general elections the margin between BDP and its rivals Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was very small.

Mr Shah noted with the reports of the merger of the BCP and the UDC, democrats should work very hard to recruit new members because the merger is a challenge to the BDP. On other issue, he applauded the constituency for organising the dinner adding that they were the first in the country to have come up with the activity after the last general elections.

Lerala/Maunatlala MP, Mr Prince Maele said democrats must not rest on their laurels but should start preparing for the next general elections. He said although there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be in a position, aspirants should respect those who are already in the positions.

Mr Maele said democrats should  not only focus on winning as individuals but should make sure the party wins. He said members of the BDP should have the spirit of volunteerism in the party and work for it not because they want something in return.

Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy urged democrats to contribute to the cleanliness of Francistown in order to make the city appealing to investors. Mr Billy said investors can help address the challenge of high unemployment in the city and the country as a whole.

In her welcome remarks, Ntshe Ward councilor, Ms Badubi Lekang said the dinner was not only aimed at raising funds but also to provide a platform for democrats to socialize and revive the party. Ends