Party members are to blame - Tibone

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Sunday May 19, 2013 00:00

 

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Selebi-Phikwe East branch over the weekend, Tibone said those who voted for the opposition did so because of something that ruling party members did not do right. He stressed that those two wards belong to the ruling party, saying if party members addressed their mistakes, they could win them back. He expressed hope that the 50th anniversary celebrations would gain momentum among party members and instil confidence to prepare for the general elections next year.

He emphasised the need for party members to continue to meet regularly and interact to enhance unity. Tibone explained that when the BDP was formed in 1962, there were other parties in existence, but they were of no impact and were not interested in attaining independence. 'The BDP was formed through determination and the need to take the country's destiny into our own hands. It is important to share the birth, history and the good news that has characterised the ruling party from its inception. It is for this reason that I applaud members for celebrating the anniversary,' he said.

He said at the time the BDP was formed, other parties were only interested in opposing colonial rule, hence it is not surprising that even today the opposition is still interested in opposing and has no interest in the economic development visible in the country.'That is why Batswana continue to elect us to power to rule the country and we will continue to do so,' he added. Tibone said the BDP continues to be the party of choice because it is a strong brand while the same cannot be said about other parties.

It is the only party that manages to post candidates in all constituencies while other parties struggle to do so for lack of capacity and strength. 'We also enjoy substantial national coverage in terms of support while the opposition is confined to certain regions of the country,' he said.

Tibone emphasised that succession of the head of state is a clear pattern that guarantees stability while the same cannot be said about opposition. 'We need to talk about our good quality and stress that there is still no alternative,' he added. He advised party members that strength has to be nurtured, saying events such as dinners form part of that nurturing as they get a chance to sell the party to Batswana.