Four-way battle for BDP presidential race

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 12, 2025 14:37

The position, one of the most powerful in Botswana’s political landscape, is now up for grabs without the traditional backing of organised lobby lists. Instead, each aspirant is running an independent campaign, relying heavily on personal networks and grassroots mobilisation to secure the support of voting delegates. Competing for the presidency are; BDP chairperson Slumber Tsogwane, former party secretary-general Mpho Balopi, Ame Makoba, and veteran politician Nonofo Molefhi. With the absence of structured campaign teams and lobby lists, the election marks a departure from tradition. Previously, candidates were bolstered by carefully coordinated slates that amplified their visibility and reach. This time, each contender is navigating the political terrain alone, making the outcome all the more unpredictable. As the party gears up for the leadership contest, one thing remains clear: victory will go to the candidate who resonates most with party delegates and convinces them of a new, compelling direction for the BDP. With no clear front-runner emerging yet, Saturday’s mood and momentum may prove decisive.

Balopi: The political strategist Among the four, Mpho Balopi is widely viewed as a formidable contender. As the former secretary-general of the BDP, Balopi is no stranger to the inner workings of the party. Known in political circles as a 'political mafia' for his tactical acumen, Balopi has built a reputation for being both a skilled strategist and an effective campaigner. His influence within the party was particularly evident during the 2019 general elections, when he played a key role in reversing the BDP’s declining popularity. Under his guidance, the party’s share of the popular vote increased from 48% to 52%, a historic turnaround that helped solidify its mandate. This achievement, still fresh in the minds of many delegates, has become a key part of Balopi’s campaign narrative. Currently, Balopi’s campaign machinery is in full swing. He has dispatched teams across all 61 constituencies, covering all 14 party regions. By Tuesday, he had already made appearances in 48 constituencies, making him arguably the most visible candidate on the ground. At a press briefing earlier this week, Balopi outlined his vision for the party. Amongst the key reforms he promised were a review of the BDP constitution and a modernisation of the Bulela Ditswe system, which governs the party’s primary elections. He also advocated for the establishment of an independent 'Democracy Research Project' to oversee internal elections, arguing that the current Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC) is compromised. Balopi's confidence is palpable, and his campaign strategy reflects the seriousness with which he approaches this race. By pushing for transparency and reform, he positions himself not just as a capable administrator, but also as a visionary leader ready to reshape the BDP’s internal systems.



Molefhi: The unifier Molefhi is another familiar name within BDP ranks. A long-serving member of the party, he enjoys broad respect and sympathy from various party factions. His reputation as a consensus builder and steady hand has earned him admiration, especially from older members who value his diplomatic style and calm demeanour. This is not Molefhi’s first attempt at the presidency. On previous occasions, he aligned himself with candidates endorsed by the sitting party president moves that ultimately did not work in his favour. This time, however, he is running independently, a strategy that gives him more flexibility but also requires more effort in terms of campaigning. While Molefhi has a loyal support base, critics argue that his campaign lacks the necessary intensity. Unlike Balopi and other contenders, he has not mobilised a strong, well-funded campaign team. His low-key approach has led some within the party to question whether he possesses the aggressiveness needed to galvanize support and clinch victory. Yet, what Molefhi may lack in campaign flair, he compensates for with his ability to unite a fractured party. In a time when the BDP is grappling with internal divisions, his supporters argue that he is the right person to foster unity and restore a sense of collective purpose. Nonetheless, the political landscape is unforgiving, and Molefhi's understated campaign may hinder his ability to connect with younger voters, who are increasingly looking for dynamic, relatable leadership. Still, if the delegates prioritize stability and unity over political showmanship, Molefhi could prove to be a dark horse in this contest.



Makoba: A revolutionary path for the BDP As the BDP stands at a crucial turning point, he has remained consistent and clear in his messages to party members and the nation at large. His campaign has been rooted in the belief that the BDP needs bold, principled leadership that is willing to confront hard truths and steer the party in a new direction. First and foremost, he has emphasised the need for genuine renewal. The people of Botswana rejected the BDP in the 2024 General Election, and insists on confronting that reality head-on. He is of the view that the BDP cannot afford to present the same faces and voices that the electorate turned away. Doing so would not only signal a disregard for the public’s message, but also jeopardise the party’s chances of regaining their trust. Renewal to him means ushering in new leadership who are not defined by the past, but who reflect the future the people are demanding. In addition to renewal, he stressed the importance of building a shared future. The BDP has, over the years, lost some of its most capable minds and talents to the new ruling party. The departure of figures such as the current Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, Ministers Wynter Mmolotsi, Lawrence Ookeditse, and Bogolo Kenewendo is no coincidence. It reflects a systemic failure to develop, promote, and retain emerging leaders within our ranks. “If we do not change this trajectory, we risk becoming a party of lost potential. That must stop. We must create an environment where talent is not just recognized but nurtured—where young leaders see a future for themselves within the BDP,” commented the frustrated Makoba. From the outset of his campaign, he made the deliberate choice to stand without a lobby list. He has not relied on political alliances or internal factions to push his candidacy forward. Instead, he has chosen to run on principle, believing that merit not patronage should be the standard that sets them apart. “I am a unifier, not a divider. My commitment is to bring all voices to the table, regardless of past affiliations or internal rivalries,” he added. Furthermore, Makoba has consistently called for greater transparency and accountability. One of the biggest challenges the BDP faces today is the erosion of public trust. The party is increasingly seen as opaque, disconnected, and unresponsive. “I am the only candidate who has made transparency and integrity the cornerstone of my campaign. I believe our people deserve leaders who are honest, open, and trustworthy leaders who are not afraid to be held accountable. Rebuilding the public’s confidence in the BDP starts with internal reform, and I am ready to lead that transformation,” he told Mmegi. Throughout this journey, he has remained determined, focused, and undeterred. I have approached this campaign with discipline and a deep sense of purpose. He said his candidacy is not based on convenience or opportunism, it is based on conviction. Furthermore, he said he is not the obvious choice, nor the establishment's favorite, but he is the necessary choice the revolutionary voice the BDP needs at this moment in its history.

“We need a bold break from tradition, a clean slate, and a willingness to embrace change. I am ready to offer that change not just in words, but through action. I am here to challenge the status quo, to revive our collective spirit, and to chart a path that leads the BDP back to the people,” he revealed.

A new era for BDP What sets this BDP presidential contest apart is not just the number of candidates but the nature of their campaigns. With no lobby lists or official endorsements from influential party blocs, each candidate must now rely on personal charisma, grassroots outreach, and political track records to persuade the delegates. The stakes are high, and the absence of a dominant campaign structure means that the margin for error is incredibly slim. As the party gathers for what promises to be a heated weekend, all eyes will be on the delegates. Their decision will not only shape the immediate future of the BDP but could also influence Botswana's broader political direction. While some candidates bank on experience, others are leveraging reformist ideas and promises of internal democracy. By Saturday, the atmosphere will offer the clearest signal of which way the wind is blowing. Until then, speculation remains rife, and the candidates must continue to press forward with their final pitches. In a contest where tradition has been upended and no clear front-runner has emerged, the BDP finds itself at a crossroads, one where every vote will count, and every speech could tip the balance.