BCP rises strongly, BDP falls as UDC wins
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday December 15, 2025 10:05
While only 50 voters backed the party in last year’s polls, the weekend by-election saw its tally rise sharply to 143. This significant jump suggests that the BCP is beginning to regain ground in areas where its presence had previously been limited, and it indicates renewed confidence amongst voters in the party’s message and leadership.
On the other hand, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) experienced a noticeable decline in support. During the 2024 General Election, the BDP secured 217 votes in the ward, but in the by-election, it managed only 108. The sharp drop not only signals a contraction of the former ruling party’s support base in Moreomaoto but also highlights its struggle to retain the ward it had previously won. Party members had entered the by-election hoping to consolidate their hold in the Boteti West constituency, but the results point to shifting political loyalties and possible voter dissatisfaction with the party’s recent performance at both local and national levels.
Meanwhile, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged as the ultimate victor of the by-election, securing 189 votes and successfully defending the ward with a slight increase over its previous performance.
In the 2024 polls, the UDC received 185 votes in Moreomaoto. Although the growth is modest, the party’s ability to maintain and slightly strengthen its support demonstrates a stable and resilient voter base. The outcome suggests that residents of the ward continue to have confidence in the UDC and the leadership it offers. For the UDC, the small but steady improvement reinforces its presence in Boteti West and positions it as a competitive force ahead of future elections.
Moreomaoto ward forms part of the Boteti West constituency, an area that was previously dominated by the BDP for 58 years. The UDC won the parliamentary seat for the constituency in 2024, a victory that signalled a shift in political dynamics at the time. The by-election results appear to confirm that the party remains well-positioned in the constituency, retaining support not only at the parliamentary level but also at the local ward level.
Voter turnout in the by-election also reflects a slight but notable increase in civic participation. A total of 471 voters cast their ballots over the weekend, compared to 459 who turned out for the 2024 general elections. Although the difference is not large, it signals that residents remain engaged in local governance issues and are willing to participate actively in determining their representation.
The increased turnout may have contributed to the shifts observed amongst the parties. The BCP’s ability to attract nearly three times the number of voters it received in 2024 could be linked to intensified grassroots campaigns or growing disillusionment with the parties that have traditionally dominated the area.
For the BDP, the turnout increase did not translate into favourable results, indicating that its efforts to mobilise supporters may not have been as effective as in previous years. The UDC, which managed to retain its seat with slightly more votes than before, appears to have benefited from both loyal supporters and consistent voter outreach. Political analysts observing the by-election note that by-elections often serve as early indicators of national political sentiments, even though they are influenced by local dynamics.
The results in Moreomaoto may therefore reflect evolving attitudes of voters toward the major parties. The BCP’s surge could signal the beginning of a broader effort to reassert itself across various constituencies, especially in areas where it has historically struggled.
The BDP’s decline may prompt internal reflections on its strategies in rural communities, where voters increasingly demand accountability and responsive leadership.
Meanwhile, the UDC’s continued strength is likely to boost its confidence as it builds momentum for future political contests. Residents of Moreomaoto, like many communities in Botswana, continue to grapple with issues such as service delivery, employment opportunities, and development challenges. Voters may have used the by-election as an opportunity to voice their expectations and frustrations, rewarding parties they believe are more likely to address their needs. The outcomes, therefore, represent not just shifts in political allegiance but also expressions of community priorities.
The BCP’s significant growth, the BDP’s sharp decline, and the UDC’s steady hold each tell a story of evolving public sentiments. With voter participation remaining strong, the ward continues to play a key role in shaping the political direction of the constituency.