Sefhophe by-election draws intense political activity
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 12, 2026 06:00
The village has increasingly become a centre of political attention, with campaign activities bringing heightened movement to the area. Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) are all contesting in the by-election, creating a highly active political environment as candidates seek support from residents. On the other hand, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has since joined the race though it has not made a big presence like the three other parties, yet. With the election date approaching, the impact of the political contest is being felt beyond campaign rallies with the village experiencing increased traffic, particularly as supporters from various political parties and visitors arrive for campaign activities. Demand for accommodation has also risen, while local businesses are benefiting from increased spending associated with the influx of people.
For residents and businesses, the by-election has therefore, brought an unusual level of activity to the village. Places that would ordinarily experience less traffic have become busy, while accommodation providers and other businesses are dealing with increased demand. At the same time, some residents have observed improvements in certain government services in the area, although the extent to which these changes are directly linked to the by-election remains a matter for residents to assess. Nevertheless, the political contest has given Sefhophe a level of attention that is not usually associated with the village. Campaign teams have been making their presence felt, while political gatherings have attracted residents eager to hear from candidates and participate in the activities surrounding the election. The campaign period has also taken on a festive character.
As is common during political candidate launches, parties have brought musicians and entertainers to their events, attracting residents while providing entertainment alongside political speeches. The events have turned campaign launches into major gatherings, with music and performances helping to draw crowds before candidates and party officials address supporters. Over the weekend, attention turned to the UDC, which officially launched its candidate, Thabiso Galebotse at an event that attracted residents and added to the growing political activity in the village. The campaign calendar is expected to remain busy, with BDP's candidate Same Senkanang-Ditshoto and BCP's representative Joseph Bagwasi also scheduled to be launched.
Their launches will provide an opportunity for the respective parties to formally introduce their candidates to residents and outline their campaign messages as the election approaches. The three-way contest has also revived interest in the voting patterns recorded during the 2024 General Election. The results provide a recent electoral record for the ward, although they do not determine the outcome of the upcoming by-election. In the 2024 polls, the UDC received 898 votes in the ward, while the BCP secured 736 votes. The BDP recorded 566 votes. The figures show that all the three parties attracted significant support in the previous election, setting the stage for what could be another closely watched contest. However, the by-election takes place under different circumstances, with a different campaign period, candidates and voter considerations. Consequently, the previous results provide historical context rather than a guarantee of how residents will vote on October 17. For political parties, the remaining campaign period is therefore, an important opportunity to engage voters and present their respective messages.
Campaign teams are expected to continue holding meetings, rallies and other activities as they seek to mobilise support. For residents, meanwhile, the by-election has transformed the rhythm of daily life in the village. The increased presence of political supporters, campaign vehicles and visitors has made the election difficult to ignore. Accommodation providers, retailers and other businesses have found themselves operating in an environment characterised by increased demand.
The influx of people has also created opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the additional economic activity generated by the campaign. Beyond the economic impact, however, the election has placed Sefhophe firmly in the political spotlight. Residents have been presented with campaign events involving all three parties, while candidates launches have become major social gatherings. The combination of political campaigning and entertainment has also contributed to the festive atmosphere surrounding the election. Residents have been able to attend events without paying entrance fees, making the campaign period a significant source of entertainment in the village.
As the October 17 election approaches, the pace of activity is expected to remain high. The UDC, BDP and BCP will continue their respective campaigns, while residents will have the opportunity to listen to the candidates and consider the issues raised during the campaign.
For now, Sefhophe remains at the centre of attention as the three parties prepare for the by-election. The increased movement, campaign gatherings, candidate launches and heightened demand for local services have all become visible signs of an election that is having an impact well beyond the ballot box.