Masisi’s desperate bid for re-election
Innocent Selatlhwa - Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 9, 2022 06:00
He has called on the youth to support him in his campaign for the general elections and also promised he will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory.
In what could be viewed as a move that smacks of desperation, the President says he will go to places he has not gone before to canvass for votes.
Out of the 14 council by-elections, the BDP won only three. On the other hand, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won nine, while the Alliance for Progressives, and Botswana Patriotic Front each won one.
Addressing delegates at the BDP Youth Wing Congress in Bobonong over the weekend, Masisi made the young people stand and pledge support for him and his party on their ’exciting’ campaign towards winning convincingly in the 2024 general elections.
“I want you by my side. I want you by the side of the party. I want you to make noise that will trouble the opposition and not make noise in the party. I want you to pledge it to me today. Ke a le kopa, I need partners in this journey. I want to have fun in the 2024 elections. It will be my last election,” he said.
Masisi, whose party has in the past been accused of using state resources for campaigning, said he would leave no stone unturned.
“I am going to go to every village, every home, moraka, masimo, setlaagana, sepoto, seterata, gongwe le gongwe, ke kopela Domkraga tlhopho. Ke kopa a bo re le mmogo, le lona le dira jalo,” he said.
He called on BDP members to welcome back those who had left the party but are now focused on helping it win elections since they need the numbers.
Even though he encouraged the youth to vote and support whoever they wish for youth elections, Masisi is himself clear on whom he wants to lead with, being Vice President Slumber Tsogwane whose position as chairman of the party is being challenged by Nonofho Molefhi.
Tsogwane has himself expressed support for Kavis Kario as secretary-general (SG) of the party ahead of the party’s elective congress in Tsabong. And they have been campaigning at every platform to ensure Masisi gets his men as chairman and SG.
Meanwhile, the President advised the Madongwana (BDP youth) to refrain from misdemeanours that often beset them, and instead encamp around serious endevours that will have a positive effect on achieving their stated and set goals.
“This is for the simple reason that in the next Youth Congress, you will not be younger anymore, having advanced in the time of your life with each passing moment. I implore you to journey with me in developing this country. You are a beautiful epitome of creativity, innovation, courage, and vigour needed as this nation is fast changing lanes...,” he said.