BCP eyes student vote revival
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 13, 2026 06:00
In particular, observers have begun to wonder whether the main opposition party is losing its grip on student politics at the University of Botswana (UB). However, in a candid admission this week, BCP Youth League president June June acknowledged the party’s struggles at the university level, while expressing optimism that a turnaround is imminent. The BCP Youth League elections will be held on campus this Friday. His remarks come at a time when student politics are increasingly viewed as a barometer for national political trends. “To be honest, the BCP has not been winning UBSRC elections,” June said in an interview on Wednesday this week. “Our only success came during the period when we were part of a coalition with the Botswana National Front (BNF) and the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), under the Moono wa Baithuti umbrella. That alone shows that we have work to do as a party.” He further attributed the party’s underperformance to limited investment in student politics, a factor he believes has significantly weakened its competitiveness against rivals. “One of the key issues is that we have not been investing enough resources in UBSRC elections compared to other political players,” he explained. “As a result, we have struggled to match their presence on the ground.” Moreover, June argued that the political playing field within student elections is often uneven, with incumbents enjoying structural advantages that make it difficult for challengers to break through.
According to him, those already in leadership positions tend to wield greater influence over electoral processes. “The reality is that the ground is not level,” he said. “The incumbents are always at an advantage because they are the ones running the elections. There have been allegations of irregularities in the past, and I believe some of those issues may persist today.”
Despite these challenges, June maintained that the BCP’s student wing has consistently produced strong policy proposals aimed at improving student welfare. However, he conceded that the party has struggled to effectively communicate its ideas to the broader student body. “Our manifesto is always top-notch. We develop solid and practical policies for students,” he said. “But the real challenge is ensuring that our message reaches the intended audience. If students do not hear or understand what we stand for, then naturally we will not get their support.”
In response to these shortcomings, he said the BCP has embarked on a strategic rebranding exercise designed to reposition its student movement and expand its influence across tertiary institutions. “We are currently in a rebranding phase,” June revealed. “We are taking over all tertiary institutions under one identity, which is Student Congress. This is a deliberate strategy aimed at strengthening our presence and ultimately taking control of student politics.” Additionally, he said the party has introduced structural reforms within its student wing to sharpen its focus on issues affecting learners.
Among these changes, he said, is the creation of a new portfolio known as the Student Command, which will specifically address student concerns and coordinate campus activism. “We have also introduced a new position in our constitution called Student Command,” he said. “This office will be dedicated entirely to student issues, ensuring that we remain relevant and responsive to their needs.” Importantly, June expressed confidence that these reforms will begin to yield results in the near future. While acknowledging past shortcomings, he insisted that the party is now better positioned to reconnect with young voters and rebuild its influence within university politics.
“Going forward, we believe we are on the right path,” he said. “We have identified our weaknesses and are actively addressing them. With the new structures in place and a renewed focus on engagement, we are confident that the tide will turn.” Meanwhile, political analysts note that student politics at the University of Botswana often mirror broader national dynamics, making UBSRC elections a critical testing ground for political parties.