Selebi-Phikwe East political activity intensifies
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 11, 2026 06:00
In fact, in the Selebi-Phikwe East constituency, political activity has intensified so dramatically that one could easily mistake the situation for an election season already in full swing. Week in and week out, political parties are flooding the constituency with activities aimed at winning the hearts and minds of residents long before the official campaign period begins. Community meetings, door-to-door mobilisation campaigns, youth engagements and party gatherings have now become a common sight in the area.
For the first time in years, residents of Selebi-Phikwe East enjoy unusual political attention, despite the country still having nearly two years before going to the polls. The sudden influx of political activity has turned the constituency into one of the country's hottest political zones. As a result, eyes across the country are now firmly fixed on what is happening in the area.
The pace and intensity of the campaigns have raised eyebrows among political observers and residents alike. In fact, some people are beginning to question whether the constituency Member of Parliament, Kgoberego Nkawana, still intends to contest the 2029 polls or is preparing to quietly exit active politics. The political atmosphere on the ground tells a story of parties preparing for war long before the starting whistle blows.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that opposition parties are refusing to leave anything to chance. The Botswana National Front (BNF), in particular, appears determined to establish a strong footprint in the constituency. The party, a partner in the ruling party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has intensified its grassroots mobilisation campaigns and is aggressively building structures across almost every corner of the area. From ward meetings to community engagements, the BNF is working overtime to ensure that its presence is both visible and influential.
Mmegi has observed that the BNF sees Selebi-Phikwe East as a strategic constituency. Consequently, the party is pushing hard to reconnect with communities, energise supporters and position itself as a serious contender ahead of 2029.
However, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) is equally refusing to sit back and watch events unfold from the sidelines. Instead, Nkawana's party, the BCP, has also intensified efforts to reinforce its structures and strengthen internal unity to ensure that it remains politically relevant and dominant in the area. The party understands very well that Selebi-Phikwe has for years remained one of its important political strongholds. Ahead of the 2024 polls, BCP president Dumelang Saleshando vowed that his party will remain the favourite in the North West region and the Selebi-Phikwe area. True to that vow, his party did not disappoint. Now, it seems a strong test is in the offing from the ruling UDC.
After all, the BCP emerged victorious in both constituencies (East and West) during the 2024 General Election, a development that significantly boosted the party’s confidence and influence in the fallen mining town. Understandably, the party now appears determined to fiercely defend its territory against growing pressure from rivals eager to penetrate the constituency. Meanwhile, residents are now finding themselves at the centre of a growing political storm.
Political gatherings that would normally attract small crowds are now pulling large numbers of people eager to hear promises of jobs, development and economic revival. Unemployment, poverty and the slow pace of economic recovery continue to dominate conversations in the area, making Selebi-Phikwe a fertile ground for political competition. Some residents say they are enjoying the sudden political attention, while others believe the constituency is slowly turning into one of the fiercest political battlegrounds Botswana has seen in recent years. Yet, despite the growing political excitement, the country’s political history suggests that flashy campaigns alone may not guarantee victory.
Over the years, Mmegi has observed that Batswana voters remain highly independent-minded when making electoral decisions. Time and again, voters have demonstrated that they cannot easily be swayed by financial muscle, expensive rallies or the use of State resources. Instead, many voters focus on leadership qualities, credibility, and political parties' ability to address bread-and-butter issues affecting ordinary citizens.
The 2024 General Election offered several examples of this political reality. Some campaigns across the country appeared extremely expensive and highly sophisticated. Political parties invested heavily in entertainment, brought in popular artists, and organised glamorous rallies to impress voters. Huge stages, loud music and celebrity appearances became common features of some campaigns. However, when the final results were announced, the outcome in several constituencies painted a completely different picture.
In many cases, voters chose candidates who connected with their everyday struggles rather than those who simply displayed wealth and political power. Analysts argued at the time that while entertainment may attract crowds, it does not automatically translate into votes.
Furthermore, this was not the first time such a trend emerged in Botswana politics. Historically, voters have often shown resistance towards political intimidation, excessive spending and attempts to buy influence through material power. As the road towards 2029 slowly takes shape, Selebi-Phikwe East is now emerging as one of the most closely watched constituencies in Botswana. Political temperatures are rising rapidly, party structures are being tested, and rival camps are already positioning themselves for what promises to become an intense battle.