BCP conference to open amid deep divisions
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 17, 2026 11:34
Once admired for conducting internal contests with relative calm, discipline and restraint, the main opposition party in the country is now heading to Mogoditshane amid open factional battles. This is evident in public campaigning by rival teams and increasing concerns about unity ahead of the 2029 General Election. The conference, which will elect new national leadership, comes at a time when party members appear more divided than ever before. Over the past several months, the BCP's long-standing culture of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has steadily been eroded due to open rivalry. Instead of known ethos, competing camps have openly mobilised support through organised campaign teams, public meetings and media engagements, raising fears that the internal contest could leave lasting scars on the opposition party.
Repeated appeals by senior party leaders for members to conduct issue-based campaigns and refrain from attacking one another, appear to have had little impact. Instead campaign rhetoric has intensified as the conference approaches, with supporters from rival camps increasingly promoting competing visions for the party's future. At the centre of the contest is the race for the influential position of vice president, which has attracted significant interest. The incumbent, Taolo Lucas, is defending his position against fellow Member of Parliament, Unity Dow in what is widely regarded as one of the conference's headline contests. The two candidates represent contrasting visions for the future of the party. Dow's supporters are campaigning under the slogan 'Re Motia', presenting themselves as agents of renewal who believe the BCP requires fresh leadership to reposition itself ahead of the 2029 national polls. They argue that introducing new faces into the party's top leadership will help attract voters and strengthen the party's electoral prospects.
On the other hand, Lucas' supporters are campaigning under the banner 'Re gatela pele', emphasising continuity and stability within the party. His camp argues that the current leadership should be allowed to build on the gains achieved during the last general election. Lucas' group points to the party's improved representation in Parliament and councils as evidence that the existing leadership is indeed moving the organisation in the right direction. Ahead of the conference, another closely watched contest is that one of the powerful position of secretary-general where the current office bearer Goretetse Kekgonegile faces a challenge from Emmanuel Moite. The secretary-general's office plays a critical role in overseeing the party's administration, coordinating structures and implementing decisions taken by the leadership, making the race one of the most strategic positions at the conference. Meanwhile, the contest for the chairperson position is also expected to be fiercely fought. Daisy Bathusi will battle Sennye Obuseng for the influential post, with delegates expected to weigh the candidates' organisational experience and leadership credentials for make a decision. Collectively, these races are expected to shape the direction of the BCP over the next three years as it seeks to strengthen its position as an opposition party and prepare for the next national elections.
However, beyond the leadership contests, many members are expressing concern over the increasingly polarised atmosphere that has characterised the campaign period. Observers within the party say the emergence of organised campaign teams has created factional lines that could prove difficult to heal once the conference concludes. Unlike previous internal elections, where campaigns were largely conducted quietly through party structures, this year's contests have seen rival camps openly identifying themselves with campaign slogans and actively lobbying delegates. Some members fear such visible divisions risk weakening party cohesion if reconciliation efforts are not prioritised post elections. Recognising the growing tensions, Kekgonegile recently appealed to party members to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the campaign period. He urged candidates and their supporters to adhere strictly to the party's constitution, rules and regulations while canvassing for votes. His appeal was aimed at ensuring that competition remains respectful and that the conference strengthens rather than weakens the organisation. Nevertheless, despite those calls, campaigning has remained intense as rival camps continue to court delegates ahead of voting. At the same time, another issue that has generated interest is the management of the elective conference itself. Earlier this week, BCP spokesperson Greg Kelebonye revealed that the party's electoral board would announce whether or not it would engage an independent body to assist in conducting the elections. The possibility of involving an external electoral body has attracted attention from members, with some believing such a decision could enhance transparency and increase confidence in the electoral process. Kelebonye indicated that the final decision rests with the electoral board, which is expected to communicate its position before delegates cast their ballots.
The debate surrounding the party's future has largely centred on two competing schools of thought. Supporters of Dow insist that the BCP requires a leadership renewal if it is to reconnect with voters and mount a stronger challenge in 2029. They argue that changing the party's leadership would inject new energy, ideas and momentum into the organisation at a time when Botswana's political landscape continues to evolve. Conversely, Lucas' supporters maintain that changing leadership at this stage could interrupt the progress that has already been achieved. They reason that the current leadership has overseen growth in the party's parliamentary and council representation and should therefore be given an opportunity to consolidate the gains before the next general election. These contrasting positions have become the defining feature of the campaign and are expected to dominate discussions throughout the conference. Despite the evident divisions, party members will ultimately be looking to the conference not only to elect leaders but also to restore unity once the contests are concluded. The outcome will likely determine whether the BCP emerges stronger from one of its most competitive internal elections or the factional battles witnessed during the campaign will continue to cast a shadow over the party.
With delegates from across the country expected to converge in Mogoditshane during President’s holidays, attention will be firmly focused on whether the elective conference can produce a leadership capable of bridging the widening divisions and positioning the BCP for the political battles that lie ahead. As the lime machine prepares to choose its next leadership, the conference represents more than an internal election.