It’s sink or swim for the BDP
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 12, 2025 14:52
This weekend’s elective congress in Maun is no routine political gathering, it is a defining moment that could either rejuvenate the party that, for nearly six decades, defined the nation’s political and economic trajectory. Or it could widen the fissures and push the BDP even further down the road to political oblivion. As party members prepare to cast their votes and choose the next leadership, the big question remains, will the BDP emerge united and stronger, or more divided and disillusioned? Founded by the legendary Sir Seretse Khama and others, the BDP transformed Botswana from a veritable infrastructure-less economic backwater, into a beacon of stability and relative prosperity in Southern Africa. For generations, the party’s signature “domkrag” (jack) symbolised not just political strength, but a promise of steady progress and unity. Under its stewardship, Botswana became known for prudent management of diamond wealth, robust institutions, and a reputation for clean governance. That legacy, however, has been severely shaken.
The party’s crushing defeat in the 2024 polls - where it was reduced to just four seats in the 61-member Parliament, marked an unprecedented fall from grace. For the first time since independence, the BDP was swept aside by a resurgent opposition, led by Duma Boko and his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). The loss was not simply a matter of numbers; it was a seismic shock to a party and a nation accustomed to BDP dominance. It left members not only disappointed but also angry and uncertain about the future. The seeds of this defeat were sown in the years leading up to the election. Many party members trace last year’s soul-sapping defeat to a series of internal missteps; contentious primary elections marred by allegations of favouritism and manipulation, a leadership accused of prioritising loyalty over merit, and a growing disconnect between the party elite and its grassroots supporters. Disillusioned veterans and younger members alike felt sidelined, their grievances ignored by an outgoing leadership under President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a leader whose tenure was marked by a damaging rift with his predecessor, Ian Khama.
The party’s once-formidable voter base, long considered a monolith, fractured in the face of rising youth unemployment, urban discontent, and the perception that the BDP had lost touch with the everyday struggles of ordinary Batswana. Heading into this weekend’s congress, the atmosphere is tense, with visible cracks within the party’s rank and file. Many members are walking into the congress already disheartened, their faith shaken by what they view as avoidable missteps by the leadership. At the heart of their frustrations is the bungled handling of the party’s primary elections. Allegations of favouritism, manipulation, and poor communication have dominated internal discussions. Some members believe that the outgoing leadership headed by Masisi showed preference to a “select few” of their “friends” rather than recognising loyal party veterans who have stood by the BDP through decades of political turbulence. Others openly questioned their continued allegiance.
For them, the loss of power was not just a political event but a painful confirmation that the BDP had lost its moral compass. What was once a dominant force is now reckoning with a new, sobering reality. Yet, this moment, however grim, is also an opportunity. Many within the party view the congress as an opportunity to confront uncomfortable truths, clean house, reset, recalibrate priorities, and reconnect with the people. They see it as and chart a new course. There are calls for greater transparency, genuine internal democracy, and a return to the founding values of consultation and inclusivity that once set the BDP apart. Some believe that, with honest introspection and bold reform, the party can begin to rebuild in time for the 2029 General Election. However, skepticism still lingers. Some fear that the congress will be little more than a symbolic event, where real change is promised but never delivered. These concerns are rooted in the party’s recent history and declining popular vote, which paints a troubling picture. In 2014, the BDP experienced its lowest ever popular vote at just 48%. Though it managed to recover in 2019 with a 52% share of the parliamentary vote and 47% at the local government level, the trend has not been reassuring. Adding to the tension is the party’s long-standing culture of unchallenged leadership. For most of its more than 50-year existence, the BDP has never witnessed a real contest for the position of party president even though its constitution allows for it. Leadership transitions have typically been smooth and internally negotiated, rather than openly democratic. However, this changed in 2018 and 2019 when uncertainty clouded the presidency, triggering debates about the legitimacy and accountability of party leadership.
This weekend’s congress could therefore, represent a pivotal shift in BDP tradition. If members demand more transparency, inclusivity, and democratic engagement, the party could begin a new chapter, one that reconnects it with its base and the broader electorate. But if it remains entrenched in old habits, ignoring the warning signs, then further decline may be inevitable. Ultimately, this elective congress is more than a leadership contest, it is a battle for the soul of the BDP. It is about whether the party can evolve with the times or be left behind by history. The decisions made in the coming days will reverberate far beyond the congress hall; they will shape the BDP’s narrative heading into the 2029 elections and determine whether it can still claim to be the party of the people. As the nation watches closely, one thing is clear: the BDP must confront its internal challenges with courage, honesty, and a willingness to change. Anything less would not only betray its legacy but also doom its future.
Even with odds stacked against the BDP, the party scribe, Ngaka Ngaka, is upbeat that the impending elective congress preparations are progressing very well. He was optimistic: 'Our elections are going to be free and fair to all candidates. We want our party to be united, therefore, there is no reason for us to cheat anyone. We don't have money to hire an independent election body.'