BDP rift deepens over term extension
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 20, 2026 06:00
What initially appeared to be a routine constitutional submission has rapidly evolved into a flashpoint, exposing deep mistrust and competing interests within the party’s ranks.
At the heart of the dispute are submissions reportedly made by some regions, advocating for significant amendments to the party’s constitution, which some believe that it is a move influenced by some members of the CC.
At present, the BDP constitution clearly provides that the CC is elected every two years, a system designed to promote accountability and allow regular leadership renewal.
However, if the proposed changes are adopted at the national congress, the leadership would instead serve for five years after facing the electorate. Already, some within the BDP cycle believe that some CC members cannot take the party to the 2029 general elections, as their credibility is questionable.
According to a party insider, supporters of the proposal argue that longer terms would enhance stability and enable leaders to implement long-term strategies without the constant pressure of elections.
“They believe that frequent leadership contests can disrupt continuity and weaken the party’s ability to execute its agenda effectively,” the source said. However, despite these arguments, resistance to the proposal is growing louder.
Many members remain unconvinced, warning that extending the term could undermine democratic principles within the party. Some openly spoke about it at the Gaborone regional congress at Travel lodge on Sunday.
“In particular, critics fear that such a move may concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals, limiting opportunities for broader participation and leadership renewal,” another insider revealed.
According to an insider, the divisions go beyond policy differences and reflect deeper concerns about fairness and transparency. The source alleges that the current Central Committee is pushing for the extension in order to prolong its stay in power while simultaneously blocking potential challengers from contesting in the upcoming elective congress.
Furthermore, the timing of the proposal has intensified suspicions among members. The elective congress is scheduled to take place next year, making the proposed changes particularly sensitive. Critics argue that introducing such a major amendment on the eve of an election raises questions about the true intentions behind it. “The elective congress is supposed to be next year. They want these submissions to be taken to the National Council by September this year. This is going to affect BDP big time. As members, we cannot allow this to happen,” the source said, expressing strong opposition to the move.
Moreover, the suggestion that the proposals could be fast-tracked to the National Council has further alarmed some within the party. For them, the process appears rushed, potentially sidelining broader consultation and debate. As a result, tensions continue to simmer across different party structures, with members increasingly taking firm positions either for or against the amendment.
On the other hand, the party leadership has sought to downplay the controversy, emphasising that the process is still at an early stage. Responding to the growing concerns, the BDP executive secretary, Ame Makoba, indicated that submissions are still being collected and have not yet been formally assessed. “We are still receiving submissions and have yet to analyse them. Gaborone Region is submitting through each one of its composite branches. We are yet to review them too,” he said.
Nevertheless, while this response suggests that no final decision has been made, it has done little to calm anxieties among party members. Many remain wary, arguing that even the consideration of such a proposal signals a troubling direction for the party.
However, the BDP constitution article 42, stipulates that the party constitution may be amended by a national congress of the party, provided that any member, committee or organ of the party may propose amendment to the party constitution or regulation by submitting, in writing, the proposed amendment to the executive secretary not later than four calendar months before the next meeting of the national council.
“The executive secretary shall immediately bring to the attention of the secretary general of the party such proposed amendment. The secretary general of the party shall immediately, certainly not later than three calendar months before the next meeting of the national council, cause to send to each branch committee and regional committee of the proposed amendment,” the constitution said.
It further states that each proposed amendment shall be read but not debated (although it may be clarified and explained) at the next meeting of the national council. Furthermore, it said proposed amendments shall be placed on the agenda of the next party national congress, whether ordinary or special, debated, and shall be made only if accepted and approved by no less than two-thirds of the members of the national congress present and voting.
It also says only amendments complying with this procedure, or variations thereof arising in the course of debate, may be made. However, in the case of an extraordinary congress, the provision of clause I of this article shall be deemed to have been complied with if at least one month’s notice of the proposed amendments is given to members of the national council.
“At least 24 hours' notice is given to delegates of the national council,” the constitution states. In addition, the involvement of regions such as the Gaborone Region highlights the scale of the debate, as different structures within the party begin to weigh in.
Meanwhile, political observers note that internal disputes of this nature can have lasting consequences. Ultimately, the matter will be decided at the National Congress, where delegates will determine whether the proposed constitutional amendment is adopted. Until then, however, the debate is expected to intensify, with both supporters and opponents mobilizing support across the party.