BCP campaigns turn bitter ahead of decisive conference
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 27, 2026 06:00
This situation came to a head last weekend during the Gaborone Regional Conference, where disagreements over delegate legitimacy sparked visible friction amongst members.
Several party insiders raised concerns that some delegates in attendance had not been properly elected in accordance with party procedures. As a result, the credibility of the process itself was called into question, further deepening divisions in the BCP.
Meanwhile, the broader context of the tensions is said to be rooted in an intensifying battle for the party’s vice presidency.
Two prominent figures have emerged at the centre of this contest ahead of the July 2026 elective conference.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgatleng West, Unity Dow is vying for the VP position, while MP for Bobirwa Taolo Lucas is seeking to retain it.
As expected, the competition between the two’s camps has grown increasingly fierce, with both sides mobilising support across party structures.
Consequently, the rivalry has not only heightened stakes but also contributed to the rising atmosphere of suspicion and confrontation.
When approached for comment, BCP spokesperson, Greg Kelebonye sought to downplay the severity of the allegations, indicating that no formal complaint had reached his office.
“At this stage, I have not received nor am I aware of any formal letter outlining the concerns you are referring to. As such, I am not in a position to verify the specifics of the allegations that have been mentioned,” he said.
Furthermore, Kelebonye emphasised that, to his knowledge, no official complaints had been lodged through the party’s established channels either before or during the conference proceedings.
He noted that while informal concerns may have been raised, they would need to be properly documented and formally submitted in line with party procedures to allow for appropriate review.
In addition, Kelebonye maintained that the conference itself proceeded in accordance with the BCP constitution and the planned programme of events.
Decisions regarding the continuation of proceedings, he explained, are typically based on the information formally available to election officials at the time. This, he suggested, ensures that processes are not disrupted by unverified or informal claims.
Addressing allegations that complaints are sometimes deferred until after elections, he indicated that he was not aware of any such directive within the party.
However, Kelebonye acknowledged that in many organisational contexts, procedural concerns can indeed be reviewed after the conclusion of an event, provided they are submitted through the correct channels.
This approach, he implied, allows for a more structured and evidence-based assessment of grievances.
Moreover, he pointed out that election officials are granted a degree of discretion in handling issues that arise during voting processes, as long as their actions remain within the framework of party rules and regulations.
This flexibility, according to Kelebonye, is essential in ensuring that elections proceed smoothly despite occasional disputes.
On the issue of constituency-level procedures, the spokesperson was cautious not to speculate without verified information.
He stressed that elections within party structures are typically overseen by higher, impartial bodies tasked with ensuring fairness and adherence to established guidelines.
“Therefore, any alleged irregularities should be addressed through internal mechanisms where evidence can be evaluated transparently,” he stated.
Ultimately, Kelebonye reaffirmed the BCP’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its internal processes. He urged members with concerns to engage constructively through the appropriate party structures rather than resorting to informal channels or public accusations.
Nevertheless, as the elective conference draws nearer, the unfolding tensions suggest that unity within the BCP may be under strain.
While party leadership continues to emphasise procedural integrity, the growing rivalry between factions signals a challenging road ahead, one that will likely test both the strength of the party’s democratic processes and its ability to manage internal dissent.