07 Oct 2024

President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged Batswana to vote for Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in good numbers during the general election in order to secure their future.

During the launch of the BDP Takatokwane Constituency candidate on October 5, Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe and seven council candidates in Ditshegwane on Saturday, President Masisi said with BDP a brighter future was guaranteed, but with opposition parties, prospects were dim. He warned that endorsing the opposition would plunge the country into instability.

The President criticised opposition parties  for perpetuating hatred and animosity, adding that their behaviour deviated from Setswana culture, democracy and rule of law. In contrast, he said, BDP embraced peace, democracy and social uplifting of Batswana.

The President issued a stern warning that individuals who might attempt to disrupt peace during the general election would face the law. President Masisi said despite challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, the BDP-led government’s efforts in advancing infrastructure development such as Internet connectivity, road infrastructure as well as enhancing the livelihoods of Batswana were evident.

He assured his audience that Tati and BCL mines would be reopened, owing to the discovery of economically viable copper, silver and cobalt deposits through advanced drilling, investigations, testing and research techniques.

President Masisi was optimistic that the reopening of the mines would bring economic benefits such as buying locally produced electricity, paying mining license, lease, and royalties and would create employment for Batswana.

The President mentioned that the granting of prospecting mining licenses had led to the discovery of manganese around Kanye and Otse areas and that presented lucrative opportunities for establishing an electric battery plant. He highlighted achievements on developing the creative and tourism industries as well as expediting land allocation and water infrastructure, to ensure water security in the country.

Further, Dr Masisi reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing education. He welcomed also 29 new members to the party. Other speakers, including Ms Talita Monnakgotla, Mr Tumiso Rakgare, Mr Sam Brooks, Mr Anderson Mathibe and Mr Ngaka Ngaka, who lost to Mr Leuwe in the primary elections, also implored voters to cast their votes in favour of Mr Leuwe and BDP council candidates.

They praised Mr Leuwe as one of the outstanding members of Parliament who advocated for developments in his constituency such as roads, police post and post office. Kgosi Visco Tsiane of Takatokwane encouraged Batswana to remain committed to democracy and called for free and fair elections. ENDS