04 Aug 2019

Former speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Patrick Balopi says a lot of countries globally emulate the way Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is ruling Batswana. 

Launching the party’s Francistown South constituency, prospective parliamentary candidate Mr Modiri Lucas and prospective councillors on August 3, he said it would be a big mistake if Batswana were to vote out BDP in the coming general election. 

Council candidates are Mr Thato Tselawa of Somerset East, Ms Jenamiso Mojaki of Ipopeng ward, Mr Bikie Tshiamonyana of Boikhutso Ward, Mr Moses Nguvevana of Ikageng Ward, Ms Marea Gaolefufa of Tshwaragano Ward, Mr Mmoloki Gaebotswe of Phillip Matante West Ward and Mr Nobert Madatha of Phillip Matante East Ward. 

Mr Balopi also appealed to Batswana to rally behind the party leadership more specially, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to retain power. He said Dr Masisi’s level of performance since he took power over a year ago was impressive as he had come up with a lot of changes especially in areas of consultation, law and order, fighting corruption and recently the declaration of assets and liabilities bill. 

He appealed to members of parliament to support the declaration of assets and liabilities law saying there was no reason why some MP opposed it when it was long overdue. Mr Balopi said Batswana are very lucky to have a visionary leader in Dr Masisi who has the interest of Batswana at heart. 

The former MP for Francistown further stated that Francistown south was lacking behind in developments. He said the current MP Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had failed electorates because he did not encourage them to utilise government programmes and policies. 

He said if voted, Mr Lucas will make it a point that every constituent in the area utilises such programmes because he has their interest at heart. 

Mr Balopi also lambasted area MP saying he was not trustworthy as he had moved from one party to the other since he became an MP. 

Former MP for Francistown East, Mr Phandu Skelemani said President Dr Masisi was walking the talk as evidenced by his continued consultation with Batswana in matters that affect their lives. 

He appealed to Batswana to ignore the newly formed Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) saying the party does not have a manifesto. 

Mayor of Francistown, Ms Sylvia Muzila explained that the ruling BDP was the only party that preached principles of unity, self-reliance, democracy, development as well as Botho.

She said the City of Francistown would soon have surveillance cameras at identified crime hotspots in order to reduce and deter incidents of crime around the city.

She explained such was an indication that the BDP was a serious party which delivers on its promises.

Campaign manager and former MP for Francistown South, Mr Khumongwana Maoto vowed that BDP was going to win the Francistown South constituency saying electorates had promised to support the party.

He therefore, appealed to democrats in the constituency to recruit more members into the party and that it would be a serious setback to vote for opposition parties. 

For his part, Sowa Township Councillor, Mr Botho Ntirelang advised those who had registered to vote in the coming general election to safeguard their identity and registration cards so that they could exercise their constitutional right and vote in the October election. ENDS