BDP’s heated race for leadership
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:08
The party’s elective congress is set to take place in July this year. So far, five party members have expressed interest in contesting for the BDP presidency. Former secretary-general, Mpho Balopi, party chairperson Slumber Tsogwane, Dorcas Makgato, Dr. Thapelo Matsheka and Ame Makoba have all shown interest to run for the party’s top position. These are the only names that Mmegi has confirmed thus far. Although the lobby lists for each candidate have not yet been finalised or, in some cases, have not been created, party members are already meeting to strategise and plan for campaign activities.
Amongst the candidates, Balopi’s name is generating significant discussion, as his campaign, though understated, appears to be gaining traction. Some members view him as the ideal candidate to rejuvenate the party and lead it to reclaim government control, which it lost in the 2024 General Election. At the same time, there is a growing sentiment that a younger leader could infuse fresh energy into the party, offering a new perspective that appeals to the youth and bridges the internal divisions within the BDP.
Proponents of this school of thought argue that a youthful candidate could unify the party and enhance its broader appeal. Ultimately, many believe that the party’s successes hinge on the outcome of the congress. Some members assert that the outcome of the central committee elections will play a decisive role in determining whether the party can achieve unity and position itself to win the next polls. Makoba has confirmed that he is contesting for the presidential race. When reached for a comment, former vice president, Tsogwane said: “It is not yet time for us to apply to contest for the party presidency. However, it is true that I have the intention to run for the position.” To elaborate, Tsogwane explained that, as the party chairperson, he believes it is crucial for someone with his understanding of the party's policies to lead. Furthermore, he pointed out that the party has members who are unfamiliar with its culture and policies, which, in his view, highlights the importance of experienced leadership. In addition, Tsogwane stressed that the BDP currently requires a calm and steady leader who can unify the movement. If elected as president, he asserted, he would focus on implementing significant reforms and reviewing the party's constitution. Moreover, he disclosed that he would advocate for a survey to be conducted to identify the factors that contributed to the party's poor performance in the general elections. For his part, Matsheka stated: 'Of course, people are talking to me about the matter. However, I have not yet made a decision. I will announce my position once I have finalised it.Additionally, there is the party process to consider.'
However, efforts to get comment from Makgato, Balopi and Nonofo Molefhi were not successful at the time of going for print. Campaign leaders for Balopi confirmed that he would be running for party presidency. BDP constitution article 29.3.6 states that when the party is not in power, the party president shall be elected at every congress of the party. It also reveals that whether the party is in power or not, members of the central committee save for the president shall be elected every two years at the party national congress. The BDP heads to the congress at a time when its members strongly feel it requires a complete overhaul of its current leadership. Members are frustrated, believing the current leadership has caused the party to lose power.
Additionally, another pressing issue the members want addressed is the amendment of the constitution. Specifically, they are advocating for a reduction in the powers of the president. Members have consistently called for the resignation of the current leadership and for an early congress to be convened. While some individuals resigned from the central committee and others were co-opted, their appeals were unsuccessful. This is largely because, during last year's congress in Tlokweng, the central committee was granted a one-year mandate.