BDP signals determined political comeback
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday March 4, 2026 06:00
At a time when many have questioned its relevance following its loss of power, the party’s recent retreat demonstrated renewed determination, organisational strength and a refusal to retreat quietly into political obscurity. The gathering, which ran late into Saturday night, showcased a movement regrouping with intent and seriousness, driven largely by its experienced elders who are determined to reclaim and redefine their party’s future.
Significantly, the weekend retreat attracted more than 80% of former Cabinet ministers who served under the administrations of Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi. Not only its former ministers, but also former members of Parliament, some elders who were no longer active, financers amongst others.
These seasoned leaders, many of whom were central figures during the BDP’s decades in government, appeared united in their resolve to reposition the party in a new political era. Whilst political gatherings are sometimes reduced to social events, this retreat struck a different tone. Elders of the party, alongside a select group of committed youth, moved into a closed session focused squarely on strategy and survival.
Behind those doors, discussions centred on how the BDP can remain relevant in a shifting political landscape and how it can either find its way back to power or firmly establish itself as a credible and effective main opposition party. Before the media was asked to leave the hall, several speakers, including party president Mpho Balopi, delivered candid and sobering reflections.
A key message emerged clearly: the BDP must accept its current reality as an opposition party. Balopi openly conceded that the transition would not be easy. “Let’s accept that as BDP members we don’t know how to oppose, but we know how government runs,” he stated. Drawing on the party’s long history in governance, he urged members to channel their experience into constructive criticism. Rather than reacting emotionally or defensively, he encouraged the party to offer practical alternatives and clearly articulate how policies and systems should function.
At the same time, Balopi called for humility and introspection.
“Let’s not act like saints; let us humble ourselves,” he said, stressing the importance of self-correction and honest reflection. His remarks suggested that rebuilding public trust requires more than strategy; it demands accountability and a willingness to listen.
Despite the challenges, the BDP leadership expressed confidence in its current representatives. Balopi noted that the party’s Members of Parliament and councillors are performing well, signalling that the organisation still believes it has capable voices championing its agenda both in Parliament and at the council level.
He said to the members, “Central Committee has decided that you must all be allowed an opportunity to contribute what you can towards our reconstruction and to our vision for reform. I therefore wish to encourage you to cease this retreat and make it profitable to the Party and to avoid any temptation to do anything in the contrary.”
He said collectively, they have responded well and contributed immensely to many decisions, including the appointments of various committees of the Party. “That is the leadership that I embody, a leadership of Therisanyo or Morero. Actually, this is not only limited to the Central Committee, but we’ve also extended it to holding meetings with various sub-committees, portfolio committees, councillors, our parliamentary caucus and so on, on almost a daily basis. We are watering Morero, so that the seed of democracy may grow,” he said.
He said it is popular knowledge that they have undertaken to oversee a BDP constitutional review during their time in office. Therefore, while such a subject may not be discussed conclusively, but they hope to get indications as to what direction to take. He said the Constitutional Review Commission, guided by Article 42 of the BDP constitution, has advised that members, committees or organs may submit their proposals for consideration by the party. Former party secretary general Kavis Kario said, “The purpose of the retreat was to allow sharing of ideas derived from the retreat, and therefore it will be share with formal structures. It was a great meeting. It also affirmed that the BDP is still strong and it remains the biggest single political party in Botswana.”