Saleshando faces crucial unity test
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 17, 2026 11:31
Saleshando is poised to retain his position unopposed at the party's crucial gathering, therefore the biggest challenge before him is unlikely to be winning another term. Instead, his immediate task will be restoring unity in the party that heads into the conference with visible cracks. Ordinarily, an uncontested presidential race signals stability within a political party. However, the situation in the BCP presents a different picture as the party enters its elective conference against the backdrop of growing internal tensions that have increasingly played out in public. In recent months, disagreements amongst some sections of the party have become more visible.
Unlike in the past, some members are openly attacking one another, exposing divisions that have unsettled supporters and raised questions about the party's cohesion. The public exchanges have created the impression of a party struggling to speak with one voice at a time when unity is expected to be its greatest strength. Consequently, the elective conference is shaping up to be more than a routine leadership gathering. Beyond electing office bearers, it will provide an opportunity for the party to reflect on its internal challenges and determine how it can rebuild trust among its members.
For Saleshando, securing another term without opposition may offer political stability at the top, but it does not automatically resolve the divisions that have emerged within the organisation. His leadership will likely be judged less on the absence of an electoral contest and more on his ability to unite members who appear to have grown increasingly divided. Political parties typically rely on unity to mobilise supporters, communicate consistent messages and prepare effectively for national elections. When internal disputes dominate public discussion, attention could shift away from policy issues and campaign priorities.
As a result, parties often face greater pressure to reassure both their members and the electorate that they remain focused on their broader political objectives. Similarly, the BCP's ability to move beyond its current divisions could influence how it positions itself ahead of the next general election. If united, the BCP will be better placed to campaign effectively, recruit volunteers, motivate supporters and present a coherent vision to voters. Conversely, unresolved internal disputes risk undermining those efforts if members remain divided after the conference.
The conference therefore represents an important moment for the party. Delegates will not only be expected to elect leaders but also to demonstrate a willingness to strengthen internal cohesion. Again, the members will also have time to deliberate on the road map of the party. Another issue, which the president should talk about, is for members to welcome new members and accept that they could have an input in the party. Many supporters will be watching closely to see whether the gathering produces messages of reconciliation and collective purpose rather than further public disagreements.
Equally important, will be the conduct of party leaders and members after the conference. Calls for unity are often made during elective gatherings, but they ultimately need to be matched with actions that encourage cooperation and mutual respect. Whether members who have publicly differed can work together again may become one of the key measures of the conference's success. For Saleshando, the period following the conference could prove even more significant than the conference itself. Bringing together members with differing views, rebuilding confidence within the party and ensuring that internal disagreements do not overshadow its political agenda will require sustained leadership. If anything, it places greater emphasis on his ability to heal divisions and restore confidence among party members. The central question is whether the BCP can emerge from the gathering more united than before. The answer could shape not only the party's internal future but also its preparedness for the country's next general election.