BCP yet to decide on overseer ahead of crucial poll
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 13, 2026 06:00
This follows growing tensions and increasingly hostile campaigns amongst the party’s contesting members. The BCP's elective conference, scheduled for Mogoditshane during the President’s holidays, is expected to determine the composition of its next leadership. While the party leadership had earlier indicated that engaging an independent electoral body was under consideration, a final decision was yet to be made regarding the matter. In an interview on Thursday, BCP spokesperson, Greg Kelebonye said the responsibility for conducting and supervising this year's executive leadership elections rests with the party's electoral board.
'The mandate to conduct and supervise Botswana Congress Party executive leadership elections this year is held by the electoral board,” he told Mmegi. “We shall know how they have planned the elections to run when we, the Central Committee, meet with them on Sunday.' However, his remarks suggest that the electoral board will present its roadmap for managing the elections during the meeting, including whether it intends to seek the services of an independent electoral body to enhance the credibility of the internal polls. The issue has attracted significant attention within the party as members prepare for what is shaping up to be one of the BCP's most fiercely contested leadership races in recent years.
Party members have been closely watching developments following earlier indications from the leadership that outside assistance could be considered to bolster confidence in the electoral process. Meanwhile, the BCP has begun taking disciplinary action against members accused of attacking one another on social media as campaigning intensifies ahead of the conference. The party has in recent weeks witnessed an escalation of online exchanges, with supporters of rival candidates trading accusations and personal attacks.
The hostile rhetoric has raised concerns about unity within the opposition party ahead of the crucial gathering. Insiders say the worsening tone of the campaigns has prompted the leadership to intervene in an effort to restore discipline and ensure members conduct themselves in accordance with the party's constitution and code of conduct. The leadership contest has largely centred on two rival campaign teams led by current, BCP vice president Taolo Lucas and Unity Dow, who is also contesting for the party's vice-presidency. Although both camps have been actively canvassing support across the country, their campaigns have increasingly become confrontational, with disagreements spilling onto various social media platforms. Supporters from both sides have exchanged sharp criticism, further exposing divisions within the party. The intensifying rivalry has heightened expectations ahead of the Mogoditshane conference.
Against this backdrop, attention will now shift to Sunday's central committee meeting, where the electoral board is expected to outline its election management plan. The meeting could also determine whether the party proceeds with an independent electoral body or relies solely on its internal electoral structures to administer the polls.
The outcome is likely to be closely scrutinised by party members, particularly at a time when tensions remain high, and concerns over the conduct of the campaigns continue to dominate discussions within the BCP. With only few days remaining before delegates converge in Mogoditshane, both the electoral board's preparations and the party's efforts to rein in indiscipline are expected to play a crucial role in shaping confidence in the elective conference processes and its outcome.