The growing trend of rented delegates in Botswana’s politics
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Sunday November 9, 2025 12:47
Typically, rented delegates are paid for their services and transported to the congresses by buses or combis, often without any real connection to the party or its activities.
This growing trend caught widespread attention during the Botswana National Front’s (BNF) elective congress in July.
The BNF president, Duma Boko, was quick to condemn the practice, expressing his dismay over the manipulation of party processes.
Boko noted that, “some of the members who are brought here are not BNF members. For the first time, we found out that the party had registered delegates in constituencies where they do not even exist”.
His remarks reflected the growing concern that such tactics not only undermine the democratic process but also cast doubt on the integrity of party elections.
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) faced a similar situation during its recent NEC election held in Serowe.
Much like the BNF, the BPF also saw the rise of rented delegates. Some individuals who had no affiliation with the party suddenly appeared as delegates and were even in possession of party membership cards. This raised serious questions about the transparency and authenticity of the party’s internal election process.
Videos circulating on social media highlighted the situation.
In one instance, members were asked about their affiliation with the party, and in response, they openly admitted that they were not, in fact, members.
Nevertheless, they emphasised that their purpose for being there was purely to vote.
However, the presence of rented delegates has stirred frustration amongst loyal party members. For many, this practice represents a growing disconnect from the core values of political parties.
Rented delegates often serve only to further individual agendas rather than reflect the will of the true membership base.
This, in turn, according to different political leaders, erodes the culture of democratic participation and active membership that political parties should ideally cultivate.
The man who claims BPF presidency legitimacy, Mephato Reatile, who also witnessed this unsettling trend, echoed these concerns.
During the press conference on Monday, Reatile said he observed a large number of “rented” delegates present at the Serowe congress, noting that they were not even familiar with the party’s structures.
“BPF has proper structures that are well-known, and so are its members,” Reatile explained. “For the first time, we saw many youth from the University of Botswana who claimed to be from the Gaborone Central constituency. However, when questioned about the constituency’s chairperson, they shockingly had no idea who it was.”
This incident highlighted a deeper problem within Botswana’s political parties; the increasing use of rented delegates could be a symptom of the declining integrity of internal party elections. It creates an environment where political maneuvering takes precedence over genuine party building and community involvement.
Moreover, the practice of using rented delegates has broader implications for the future of Botswana’s democracy. Political parties play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political culture and ensuring that leadership positions reflect the will of the people.
However, when elections are influenced by individuals who have no genuine commitment to the party or its principles, it can lead to the election of leaders who are more interested in consolidating power for personal gain rather than advancing the collective interests of their party and the nation.
The troubling rise of rented delegates is a problem that cannot be ignored. It signals a need for greater transparency and reform within political parties. A more robust system of vetting delegates, as well as stricter regulations around the election process, could help restore trust in the integrity of internal elections. Political parties must take a hard look at how these trends are damaging their credibility and seek ways to reinstate a more authentic, member-driven system.
In response to the growing backlash, there have been calls for party leadership to reassess the methods by which delegates are chosen and registered for elections. For example, ensuring that only true, active members can serve as delegates would be a step in the right direction.
This would not only increase transparency but also help to safeguard the democratic process, ensuring that those elected truly represent the interests of the party’s members and not the agendas of outsiders.
Ultimately, the rise of rented delegates presents a critical crossroads for Botswana’s political parties. Political parties must address this issue head-on if they are to maintain their legitimacy and ensure the continued trust of their members and the broader electorate.
In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged in Botswana’s political landscape, especially during party elective congresses for central committees (CC) or national executive committee (NEC) elections. Mmegi staffer TSAONE BASIMANEBOTLHE looks into the matter