BCP faces leadership contest questions
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 30, 2026 06:00
As the party prepares for its upcoming elective conference in July, attention has once again turned to its long-serving leader, Dumelang Saleshando. He has led the BCP since 2010, and is now seeking to extend his tenure to 20 years, with ambitions of steering the party into the 2029 general elections.
However, despite the constitutional openness for contestation, no challenger has emerged, raising questions about whether the party’s internal democratic processes are being fully exercised.
Historically, Saleshando’s leadership has gone unchallenged, even during his earlier years as the party’s spokesperson. This trend has persisted over time, reinforcing perceptions that either potential contenders lack confidence or that the internal political environment is not conducive to open competition.
Consequently, the absence of challengers has become a defining feature of the BCP’s leadership dynamics. Meanwhile, Saleshando’s tenure has not been without turbulence. Over the years, he has guided the party through significant political trials and internal disputes. Notably, in 2022, divisions within the party led to the departure of several Members of Parliament, highlighting deep-seated disagreements over leadership and direction. These developments marked a turning point, as some party members began to openly scrutinise Saleshando’s leadership style for the first time.
In particular, critics within the party accused him of taking sides in internal matters, a claim that added to growing concerns about unity and governance within the BCP. Although such criticisms were previously rare, they signalled a shift in how some members perceive the party’s leadership. Nevertheless, these concerns have not translated into formal opposition during leadership contests.
At the same time, Saleshando has publicly maintained that the party remains open to democratic participation. Earlier this year, he emphasised that members should not vilify or discourage anyone willing to challenge for leadership positions. He reiterated that the party constitution allows any qualified member to contest, urging members to respect internal democratic principles.
“Party constitution allows everyone to contest for any position, provided they qualify,” Saleshando said during a media briefing on party matters. His remarks appeared aimed at encouraging inclusivity and openness within the party’s electoral processes. However, despite such assurances, the continued absence of challengers suggests a gap between constitutional provisions and political reality. Analysts and observers argue that internal party culture, rather than formal rules, often determines the extent of competition.
In the case of the BCP, this culture appears to favour continuity over contestation. Furthermore, Saleshando’s political career has been marked by both setbacks and comebacks, underscoring his resilience in the country’s political landscape.
He first entered Parliament in 2004 as the Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central. However, he later lost the seat in the 2014 general elections, a setback that temporarily removed him from the legislative arena. Nevertheless, he staged a notable comeback in the 2019 general elections under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), securing victory as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Maun West.
This return not only reaffirmed his political relevance but also strengthened his position within the BCP. As the elective conference approaches, the party is set to convene at Ledumang Senior Secondary School in Mogoditshane, a key political gathering that will determine its leadership for the coming years. The conference is expected to attract delegates from across the country, all tasked with shaping the party’s future direction.
Already, the campaigns among the two teams within the party have turned ugly among members. The two lobby lists are led by party vice president Taolo Lucas and another by Kgatleng West Unity Dow. Even though the party constitution clearly stipulates that no internal campaigns should start before the Central Committee or Executive Committee has issued the writ, campaigns had long begun. But both teams have listed Saleshando as the party president.
In the lead-up to this event, the spotlight remains firmly on whether the longstanding pattern of unchallenged leadership will persist. While some view continuity as a sign of stability, others argue that competitive elections are essential for strengthening internal democracy and accountability.
Moreover, the broader implications of the BCP’s leadership dynamics extend beyond the party itself. As one of the key players in Botswana’s opposition politics, the party’s internal processes are closely watched by both supporters and critics.
The manner in which it handles leadership transitions, or the lack thereof, could influence its credibility and electoral prospects ahead of 2029. Ultimately, the upcoming conference presents a critical moment for reflection within the BCP.
It offers an opportunity for members to assess not only their leadership choices but also the health of their internal democratic practices. Whether or not a challenger emerges, the outcome will likely shape perceptions of the party’s commitment to inclusivity and political renewal. For now, Saleshando remains firmly at the helm, poised to extend his leadership. Yet, the lingering question remains: will the BCP continue its tradition of uncontested leadership, or will this year mark a shift toward greater internal competition?