UDC kick-starts voter registration campaigns
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is setting a new trend, as over the weekend the coalition went all out to drive a voter education campaign.
On Saturday, the coalition and partners led by Duma Boko, took to Diphetogo grounds in the Gaborone Bonnington South constituency to get voters to register for the next general election.
Present at the well-attended event were the Alliance for Progressives (AP) leader, Ndaba Gaolathe, the Botswana People’s Party (BPP) president, Motlatsi Molapisi and the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) president, Reggie Reatile. This was the first time political parties actively engaged in rallies and voter registration campaigns. When addressing the gathering, BPF representative Ratsie Setlhako implored the youth to remember the unemployment rate, which is high and they are failing to find jobs. “For the last five years, the BDP had promised you in their manifesto, promised us jobs but nothing was done. Hence we are here to encourage you to register and ensure that your friends and relatives do register too,” Setlhako said.
Another speaker, BPF president Reatile said it is time to register, but not to be discouraged. “Through your vote, you can only decide if you want medicines in hospitals, and employment amongst other things. Change can only be brought through your vote, not anything else. Nothing can be done if we are not voting,” he said. Reatile added that one of the objectives of the voter registration campaign is to change government.
For his part, AP president Gaolathe said: “There are people who believe that people who destroy our country are the ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) leaders.
Those who believe that they don’t care about the country, but only want to concentrate on working, are the ones who are the worst. Our country can still be rebuilt. Every Motswana must show that they care about their country. Bo gadinkame kana ga gona ha ke tsenang teng ke bone mathata.”
Gaolathe encouraged Batswana to take responsibility for voting and what could bring change to the country. BPP president, Molapisi said: “Boikarabelo jwa lefatshe le bo mo maruding a Batswana. We are here to encourage everyone to register and vote. It is not true that President Mokgweetsi Masisi will bring developments after the 2024 General Election. Batswana must stand up for what they believe in. Go and register in large numbers.”
Still, on voter registration, Boko said: “People are in debt because of low salaries, unemployment and others due to retrenchments. Companies are seriously retrenching and cutting employees’ salaries. Give us at least 12 months as UDC and we will create jobs for you. This is the time to try us as the UDC.”
He said all the solutions are in Batswana’s hands and it is time for the youth to stand up because they are the ones who are suffering most. He said only the youth can bring change to the country.