Lucas, Dow in defining contest
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 17, 2026 11:32
Following weeks of intense lobbying, strategic meetings and behind the scenes campaigning, the contest now shifts from rhetoric to reality. By Saturday and Sunday, delegates will determine whom among the two influential politicians has succeeded in winning enough support to secure one of the party's most important leadership positions.
The outcome is expected to shape not only the composition of the BCP's next leadership but also the party's preparations for the 2029 General Election. Both Lucas and Dow command significant influence within the party, yet they arrive at the conference with contrasting political backgrounds and support bases. For former Cabinet Minister Unity Dow, the election represents a crucial test of her acceptance within the BCP. Although she only joined the party in 2023 after leaving the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), she quickly established herself by winning a parliamentary seat under the BCP ticket. Her victory demonstrated her electoral appeal and strengthened the party's parliamentary representation.
Despite her extensive political experience, Dow is still regarded by some members as a relative newcomer to the BCP. Unlike many senior party members who spent decades building the organisation from the grassroots, Dow has had only a short period to cultivate deep political networks within the party. Coupled with that, her campaign has gathered considerable momentum. She reportedly enjoys strong backing from the BCP Women's League, sections of the Youth League and several regional leaders. Her supporters argue that her national profile, leadership experience and ability to attract voters beyond the party's traditional support base make her well suited for the vice presidency. Furthermore, some party insiders believe that BCP president, Dumelang Saleshando is sympathetic to her candidacy, although no official endorsement has been made public on the matter. Such speculation has added another layer of intrigue to what has become one of the conference's closely watched contests. However, endorsements and perceived backing may count for little if delegates decide otherwise. Ultimately, the election will be determined through a secret ballot, making it difficult to accurately predict the final outcome. Dow's campaign, therefore, still faces the challenge of converting goodwill into actual votes on the conference floor. Meanwhile, Lucas enters the race with a different advantage altogether. Widely regarded as one of the party's most loyal cadres, he has remained with the BCP since its formation, enduring both electoral victories and difficult periods when the party struggled to gain political traction. He is currently the party vice president.
Many within the BCP credit Lucas for remaining steadfast when supporting the party was politically unfashionable. That loyalty has earned him considerable respect among long-serving members, particularly at branch and ward level where many delegates have known him for years. Consequently, Lucas is believed to command significant grassroots support across the country. His campaign has largely centred on his longstanding service to the party and his close relationship with ordinary members, many of whom view him as one of their own. Over the years, Lucas has occupied several influential positions within the BCP. He previously served as Publicity Secretary before becoming Secretary General, roles that placed him at the centre of the party's organisational and communication structures. In addition, he represented the BCP in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) National Executive Committee, giving him experience in coalition politics. His parliamentary record also enhances his credentials. Currently serving as chairperson of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Lucas has built a reputation for robust oversight of public finances and government accountability. Moreover, during Saleshando's absence from Parliament due to illness, Lucas stepped in as Acting Leader of the Opposition, a responsibility that further demonstrated the confidence the party leadership has in him. Supporters also point to his performance in Parliament, arguing that he has consistently championed bread-and-butter issues affecting ordinary Batswana. His interventions on the cost of living, unemployment, public services and governance have helped build his image as a politician who prioritises everyday life concerns. Equally important, Lucas is widely recognised as an effective grassroots mobiliser. His supporters describe him as approachable and deeply connected to party activists at ward level. They argue that his ability to energise supporters and engage directly with communities complements Saleshando's leadership style.
Some within the party believe that this combination would strengthen the BCP as it rebuilds itself after the 2024 general election and positions itself for the 2029 polls. They contend that while Saleshando provides strategic leadership, Lucas possesses the organisational skills and grassroots appeal needed to grow the party's support base. However, Dow's supporters reject suggestions that experience within the BCP alone should determine the outcome. They argue that her broad political background, legislative experience and national stature could help the party attract new voters while strengthening its policy direction. They further maintain that her leadership would demonstrate the party's willingness to embrace experienced leaders from different political backgrounds, thereby broadening its appeal ahead of future elections. As a result, delegates gathering at the conference face a difficult choice. On one hand is Lucas, the seasoned party loyalist whose political identity has been shaped by years of service within the BCP. On the other, is Dow the accomplished former Cabinet minister whose relatively recent arrival has nonetheless injected fresh energy into the party. With campaigning now drawing to a close, both camps will soon discover whether their strategies have resonated with delegates. Political lobbying, endorsements and public endorsements will ultimately give way to the only verdict that matters, the ballot box.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, the contest has highlighted the different visions and strengths of cadres within the BCP's leadership ranks. It has also demonstrated the party's internal democratic processes, where delegates retain the final authority in choosing their leaders. By the end of the weekend, the uncertainty surrounding the race would have been settled. For Lucas and Dow alike, the conference represents more than a contest for office; it is a decisive measure of their influence, organisational strength and ability to inspire confidence among the delegates entrusted with shaping the BCP's future.