Kario eyes Maun West
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 20, 2026 06:00
The move follows recent remarks by BDP president Mpho Balopi, who said the party wants to hold its primary elections two years before the next general election, a proposal aimed at giving aspiring candidates more time to establish themselves within their chosen constituencies. Against this backdrop, information gathered by Mmegi indicates that former BDP secretary-general, Kavis Kario is being courted by party structures in Maun West, a constituency currently represented by Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Member of Parliament, Carter Hikuama. According to sources within the BDP, Kario has been holding a series of meetings with local party structures after transferring his membership to the constituency from Ngami. Although no official endorsement has been made, insiders say influential members are already rallying behind him as their preferred parliamentary candidate for the 2029 elections. 'It is true that some members of the party structures in this area have approached Kario about the matter,' a party source told Mmegi. 'They have been meeting with him regularly and, from what we are seeing, they appear to be making progress. As things stand, party structures are looking for credible and hardworking individuals who can help the BDP reclaim the constituency. The party no longer has the financial resources it once enjoyed, so it has to rely more on committed members who are prepared to put in the work,' said the source. The source added that an early start gives potential candidates sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the constituency, engage residents and build meaningful relationships before the official campaign period begins. 'Starting early allows a prospective candidate to understand the challenges facing the constituency and work closely with residents. By the time primary elections are held, the candidate is already known by the people and has established trust within the community,' the source within the party said. Another member of the constituency structures echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the BDP can no longer afford to wait until election season before identifying candidates. 'Unlike in the past, we want someone who starts demonstrating leadership now,' the source said. 'We need an individual who can help rebuild and strengthen party structures throughout the constituency. The work of reviving the party cannot begin a few months before elections,' the sources also stated. The renewed focus on early mobilisation reflects the BDP's determination to rebuild following its loss of power, with members increasingly acknowledging that organisational work at constituency level will be critical if the party hopes to regain lost ground in 2029. However, not everyone within the party is comfortable with the developments unfolding in Maun West. Some members believe the enthusiasm shown by local structures towards Kario risks creating an uneven playing field ahead of the party's primary elections. They argue that openly lobbying for one prospective candidate years before the primaries could discourage other aspiring contestants from entering the race. According to another source, many within the constituency now believe that structures have already taken sides, raising concerns about fairness and internal democracy. 'It has become very clear that the structures have gone all out to support him because they are the ones who persuaded him to move from the Ngami constituency to Maun West,' the source claimed. 'Once structures openly favour one individual, it becomes difficult for anyone else to challenge because members may feel the outcome has already been decided.' The source further suggested that the BDP's new position as an opposition party has also changed the dynamics of internal contests. 'Since we are now in opposition, there appears to be less interest from members in contesting primaries compared to when the party was in government. Some people may feel the chances are limited, while others believe the preferred candidates have already been identified,' the source said. The concerns come as the BDP continues to debate how best to reorganise itself after suffering an unprecedented electoral defeat. While some members believe early identification of candidates will strengthen the party's chances, others insist the process must remain transparent and competitive to avoid divisions before the primaries are even announced.
Political observers have previously argued that giving candidates more time to work within constituencies can improve voter engagement and organisational strength. However, they also caution that party structures must avoid creating perceptions of bias, particularly where internal elections are expected to determine candidates democratically. When contacted for comment, Kario declined to discuss speculation surrounding his political ambitions, describing the matter as an internal party issue.
'I cannot comment on that because it is an internal party matter,' he said. 'Primary elections are still far away, and I am working like any other party member in the area. Of course, I have transferred my membership to that constituency,' he further stated.