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Tsogwane denies heading faction, calls for unified BDP

Slumber Tsogwane speaking at BDP 40th National Congress. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Slumber Tsogwane speaking at BDP 40th National Congress. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has addressed concerns about factionalism during the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) Congress held at the Royal Aria Hotel in Tlokweng.

He emphatically denied leading any faction and stated that he had no intention of doing so. Tsogwane urged members to dismiss claims of factional leadership and focus on unity. "I have never been part of any faction, and I won't start now. We must remain united as democrats and not let our enemies divide us. Even those who didn't succeed in Bulela Ditswe should move forward. Let's work together to secure electoral victory," he said. As party chairperson, Tsogwane emphasised that the BDP is more significant than any individual. Therefore, he urged members to set aside their differences and work diligently to ensure the party's success in the elections. Furthermore, Tsogwane highlighted that unity is crucial and should be the ultimate goal. He expressed confidence in his leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi, noting that he has proven his capability since assuming the presidency of the country and the party. In contrast, opposition parties have repeatedly failed to take over the government, including those that have attempted to unite. Additionally, Tsogwane stressed that the BDP must remain strong and influential, as no other party has demonstrated the ability to govern Botswana effectively. Consequently, the BDP remains the best option, as Batswana express their will by vote, he said. Tsogwane stated that Masisi's accomplishments, both within and outside the party, are undeniable and speak for themselves. He emphasised that Masisi is a man of his word, having delivered on his promises to the people of Botswana. Therefore, the reason Masisi faced no challenge for the party presidency showed evidence of party members' confidence in him. Furthermore, Tsogwane pointed out that they want Masisi to be the face of the party. In addition, he highlighted that Masisi remains a visionary leader and is also committed to working for both the people of Botswana and the party. Meanwhile, the BDP constitution requires the party president to be voted every five years. Again, it is that the party Central Committee (CC) be voted every two years, however, the congress has since waived that the party CC mandate should rather be extended during an election year. This according to the congress, which is the supreme body, allows the party to focus on elections only. Hence, the CC’s mandate was extended by a year to vote in the next.

Editor's Comment
The people have spoken

In fact, early election results in some areas across the country, speak to large voter turnout which suggests that voters crowded at polling stations to decide appropriately. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed that 80% of the 1,037,684 people who had registered to vote turned up to exercise their right.It’s unfortunate that at the time of cobbling this editorial comment, results had just started trickling in. We recognise that...

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