BDP launches Gabs Central bid in grand style

OLIVER MODISE
Staff Writer | Friday July 11, 2008 00:00

 

The website was officially launched at an event hosted by the party's Gaborone Central branch yesterday at Gaborone Civic Centre. The event brought together BDP bigwigs such as Vice president Mompati Merafhe, BDP chairman Daniel Kwelagobe, Gus Mathabaphiri and party treasurer Satar Dada.

Motswaledi is challenging the incumbent MP and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) publicity chief Dumelang Saleshando. For the Botswana National Front (BNF) the race for Gaborone Central has turned into a furnace with the BNF candidate Nelson Ramaotwana reportedly planning to quit the contest.

Speaking at the launch of the website, Motswaledi introduced himself as a servant of the people, adding that his party's political manifesto outlines detailed policies and programmes needed to uplift Gaborone Central.

'I take the responsibility to represent this constituency seriously', said Motswaledi. He revealed that he is going deploy his best campaign team to look into a wide range of issues affecting the constituency.

'I aspire to lead Gaborone Central to become the most organized constituency in Botswana, in how we reach out to economic opportunities available to citizens, how you inculcate a culture of intense learning among constituents, and in how you create a pleasurable city dwelling for your families,' he said.

Motswaledi said it was important for citizens to have a say in laws passed by parliament arguing that once elected as the area MP he was going to make sure that his constituents participate in the law making process.

'I expect that our constituency will advise and encourage me to sway debate towards the ideals that build our nation towards a better, prosperous and assertive tomorrow,' said Motswaledi. He appealed for support from his fellow democrats, urging them not to be complacent.

Speaking at the same event, Dada said that as a resident of Gaborone Central he was happy to endorse Motswaledi because 'he has a willingness and ability to serve the people'.

He described Motswaledi as a rare breed in politics, stating that the man is understanding, knowledgeable, a good listener, good character, level headed and straight in his dealings with others.

'Such a person is not always available off the shelves,' said Dada. Dada said that he has known Motswaledi socially and politically for a long time, adding that he was vouching for him as the best among the parliamentary contestants.

'With technology and the level of education our youth have achieved what they want is to browse the net and see and experience for themselves,' said Dada. He stated that the website will give those interested in joining the party an opportunity to register online as well as follow the campaign at Gaborone Central online. 'You will get all the information by pressing a button,' stated Dada.