26 Jun 2017

Botswana Democratic Party chairperson, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has called for the party to emerge from the ongoing delegates elections as a united front.

Mr Masisi was addressing a congress in Kasane recently, which sought to elect delegates who would vote in the upcoming national congress slated for Tonota in July.

“Differences in opinions must remain just that and should not cause any divisions,” he cautioned.

He explained that he had expressed interest to stand for the position of party chairperson to work closely with the party structures as he took over as the fifth president of Botswana next year.

“When you do not vote for someone, this does not mean that you hate them, it simply means you would rather have someone else sit in that position instead of them,” he said.

As the party heads for the national congress, Mr Masisi emphasised the need for peace, love and respect for one another.

Not everyone, he added, would be happy with the outcome of the internal party position elections.

“As such I urge you to desist from running to structures and platforms outside the party such as newspapers and social media peddling lies. We must be seen as a unified front as we head to the congress and beyond,” he added.

In the same light, he cautioned members against indiscipline and non-performance, which he said he would not tolerate.

Fellow candidate for the chairperson’s position, Mr Nonofo Molefhi used the opportunity to campaign for members to elect him at the national convention so that he could work closely with the incoming president upon the incumbent’s end of tenure next April.

The BDP chairperson for Chobe branch, Mr Shonie Balemogeng encouraged members to vote for candidates who had the interests of the party at heart and encouraged those who loose to accept the outcome with a view of working together.

Member of Parliament for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni also called for unity in spite of diversity of views, cautioning members to avoid loopholes, which in the past gave birth to a breakaway party.

He commended both candidates of the chairperson position for displaying a spirit of unity and oneness despite eyeing the same position. ENDS