26 Nov 2018

Batswana have been urged to secure the country’s future by voting Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) back into power in next year’s general elections.

Addressing a political rally in Maun East, Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the BDP was the only party they could trust because of its solid foundation.

He said even if the elections were to be called any time, the ruling party was ready.

Mr Tsogwane, who is also BDP chairperson, said the BDP was working round the clock to address challenges facing the country.

He appealed to Batswana to give the ruling party another chance to lead and drive the programmes and policies in place aimed at improving the lives of Batswana.

The party, he said, had a sound track record because since assuming power, it had showed respect for the rule of law and followed the country’s constitution to the latter.

He said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi had a road map which needed the support of the nation.

The Vice President said Botswana needed a strong and visionary leadership for economic development.

He said government had shifted focus from middle to high income economy.

“We are going the knowledge-based economy route in order to create more job opportunities for our people. We want the community to benefit from their knowledge, be it innovation or research because we believe these are some of the factors that can take the country to greater heights,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane said government was a step ahead in driving the knowledge based economy, adding that the Ministry of Tertiary Education had awarded sponsorships to learners to do research outside the country.

Botswana, he said, had a lot to offer and urged individuals to register their innovations so that it benefited them.

He said President Masisi had met with experts who had shown interest in visiting Botswana.

To Maun East constituents, Mr Tsogwane said they should vote for Mr Konstantinos Markus because he had proven his worth.

He said Mr Markus deserved another chance because he added value in Parliament and in running the country.

He said Mr Markus was the brains behind constituency funding initiative after realising that the development budget was inadequate.

BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi said Mr Markus was a capable candidate who had sacrificed to serve his electorate diligently.

He said the BDP had shown to be stable since its formation in 1962.Mr Balopi said Vision 2036 could only be achieved if the ruling party was voted back into power.

For his part, Mr Markus thanked the community for their support.

He said there had been some positives in the constituency during his term such as the refurbishment of Maun Old Hospital, construction of primary school at Khwai and plot allocations at Sexaxa. Ends