THE BDP IS UNITED AND STABLE; THERE ARE NO DIVISIONS

Party Chairman Refutes Media Reports; -Blames It on Enemies, Detractors, Unethical  and Irresponsible Journalism

Serowe,  July 2, 2023  – Contrary to media  reports of a  Masisi vs Tsogwane camp, the  ruling  Botswana Democratic  Party  (BOP)  has  denied  there   is a  rift  wi th i n the  party, terming  such  reports as  political machinations  emanating from the closet  of detractors.

Furthermore, the party said that the  reports of bad blood within the BOP is a narrative  of the media peddled by the  Opposition to try  and  destabilize  the  united  party; adding that  there is no disagreement between President   Mokgweetsi   Masisi and  his trusted second   in command, His Honour Vice  President   Slumber Tsogwane.

The Vice Presi dent  and BOP Chairman  further dismissed as unfounded  med i a insinuations that  there  is bad blood  between  the  party’s  Communications Committee. Tsogwane  strongly  rejected the  claims by some partisans, who  he noted  were endeavoring  to distract the  BOP from ach iieving i ts objectives.

Speaking in Serowe West on Sunday during  Moemedi  Dijeng’s launch ahead  of the  looming  parliamentary by-electi ons  on  July 8th,  the  BOP Chairman  described as  mal i cious  media  reports that  falsely reported there’s a tussl e of power  within the  BOP, adding that  those behind such utterances are the  party’s enemies and detractors who are  bent on making designs and orchestrating falsehoods to achieve their  motive.

‘These are bunch of l ies. This is irresponsible reporting aimed at tarnishing  the  unity that  exists  within the BOP. All  committees  within  the   party  are  appointed  and  endorsed              by  His  Excellency  President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and there’s no bad blood between me and him. These  unfounded allegations by the media are again trying to bring confusion within the  party.”

He rejected media reports that the party is currently in political turmoil adding that the BDP embraced democratic  ethos and that its members enjoyed the political right and freedom to stand for any position they wished to contest.

“We  are focused on the BOP’s agenda; we are not pursuing any personal agendas. We are not complacent. We are working harder. We  don’t need any form of manipulation. With God on

our side, I am very sure we’ll triumph come 2024 General Elections.

For us, we are not just all talk. We believe people see our actions, including delivering what we had set out to do in our 2019 Election Manifesto. It is our actions which will be the best judge for us. I am very, very optimistic about that.”

He  said rather  than  paying attention to diversionary  statements  and tactics, the  party  is currently  focused on the ongoing preparations for the Serowe West Constituency

parliamentary  by-election, where voting will take place on July 8 to fill the vacancy created

in parliament because of the desertion of former MPTshekedi Khama. He accentuated, “We are the only political party in the country that is united and stable.”

Tsogwane boasted of BOP’s chances in the impending elections, saying that his confidence comes from the backdrop that the party is working harder to ensure victory at the end of the day and terming Dijeng as someone with all the credibility and trust required by the people of Serowe West to lead them.

According to Tsogwane, Batswana are looking for leaders to trust, leaders with proven credibility and Dijeng is one of those leaders. He is the latest example of all these attributes, and we are proud of our chances,” added VPTsogwane.

“I would kindly ask Batswana not to be swayed into petty politics.Those who are working to bring animosity between President Masisi and I, are just wasting their time. I love my president, and we work well together  for the betterment of Batswana and our country.

Sincerely,

Mr. Kagelelo Banks Kentse

Chairman of Communications and International Relations Sub-committee

Botswana Democratic Party