BCP Gaborone region heads to polls
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 13, 2026 06:00
This development marks the final stage in a nationwide process aimed at renewing mandates across all party structures ahead of the highly anticipated July national conference.
The BCP, which is structured into 16 regions, has already completed elections in 15 of them. Consequently, the Gaborone region remains the last to undergo the renewal process. According to party spokesperson Greg Kelebonye, the exercise is not only routine but also constitutionally required to ensure that leadership structures remain legitimate and functional.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Kelebonye explained that regional mandates expire after a three-year term, necessitating that all regions return to the polls. “The mandate of each region runs for three years, after which fresh elections must be conducted,” he said. “This ensures that leadership remains accountable and aligned with the expectations of party members,” he stated.
Furthermore, he said that the Gaborone region has been given until April 18, 2026, to complete its electoral process. This deadline, he emphasised, is critical as it feeds directly into preparations for the national conference scheduled for July. “All regions must have active and legitimate mandates because they play a crucial role in the election of the party’s executive leadership at the national level,” he said.
In addition, Kelebonye emphasised that the outcomes of these regional elections go beyond leadership selection. He explained that resolutions adopted at the regional level help shape the party's direction. However, he was quick to point out that such resolutions must be consistent with the party’s constitution. “Any resolutions taken at the regional level must align with the BCP constitution, as they are meant to guide operations within the region while complementing the broader goals of the party,” he said.
Moreover, he underscored the importance of party structures in maintaining organizational vitality. According to him, active and functional structures serve as a barometer for the party’s health. “Structures are essential because they help us gauge whether the party is active and responsive to its members. Without them, it becomes difficult to assess our effectiveness on the ground,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the party has also revealed that its upcoming national conference will be held in Mogoditshane, a decision influenced by recent trends in membership growth. Kelebonye indicated that the southern region of the country, particularly areas around Mogoditshane, has experienced a surge in new members expressing interest in joining the BCP.
As a result, the party leadership decided to host the conference in the area to capitalise on this growing support base. “We have been receiving an overwhelming number of people who want to join the party, especially from the southern parts of the country. Holding the conference in Mogoditshane is a strategic decision that reflects this growth,” he said.
Equally important, Kelebonye noted that this trend represents a shift in the party’s traditional support base. Historically, he said, the BCP has enjoyed stronger support in the northern parts of Botswana. However, he said the recent influx of members in the south signals a changing political landscape for the party. “We are encouraged by the increasing numbers because it shows that the party is expanding beyond its traditional strongholds. This growth demonstrates that our message is resonating with a wider audience,” he added.
Gaborone regional elections represent more than just a routine political exercise. Rather, they form a critical component of the BCP’s broader strategy to strengthen internal democracy, ensure constitutional compliance, and position itself effectively for the upcoming national conference.