BCP topples UDC in Sefhophe by-election
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:50
On the other hand, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) garnered 291 votes, whilst Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) received 225. Meanwhile, 11 ballot papers were spoiled, with a total of 2,032 votes cast in Saturday’s by-election. Following the results, BCP candidate Mokwaledi Bagwasi becomes the new councillor for the ward, replacing the late UDC councillor Christopher Motsholapheko, whose death necessitated the by-election. In a press release, BCP spokesperson Olebile Machete congratulated Bagwasi on his victory, describing the outcome as an important achievement for the party. The UDC’s defeat comes amid public concerns over service delivery, particularly reported shortages of medicines in hospitals.
Such shortages, many within the party and the public on social media believe, have contributed to voter frustration, as some citizens believe the government continues to make promises without delivering tangible improvements in their lives. Before election day, some Batswana openly pleaded with Sefhophe residents not to vote for the UDC. Meanwhile, Machete accused the UDC of voter intimidation and vote-buying during the campaign, warning that such practices could threaten the country’s democratic processes if left unchecked. “The UDC openly intimidated voters and churned cash for votes with impunity,” Machete said in the statement.
The BCP argued that the by-election results reflected broader dissatisfaction among Batswana who had supported the UDC in the hope of improved living conditions. “These results are a microcosm of what is obtaining across the country, a disappointed nation who voted for the UDC under the impression that they would see change in their lives,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, the party suggested that voters disappointed by the government’s performance were increasingly turning to the BCP for an alternative. Machete said the party recognised the responsibility that came with the victory and would work to meet the expectations of its supporters. The BCP also reaffirmed its commitment to the promises it had made to the electorate, contrasting its approach with what it described as the UDC’s position on its obligations to voters. “This is because we made promises and drew plans on how to implement them,” the statement reads. The party also thanked Sefhophe residents, particularly its supporters and campaign teams, for their contribution to the campaign.
Bagwasi’s victory gives the BCP the Sefhophe council seat, whilst the result provides an opportunity for the party to strengthen its local political presence. However, whether the outcome reflects a broader nationwide shift in voter support will depend on results from other electoral contests. In 2024, the UDC was voted for by 898, BCP 736, BDP 566, and BPF 189. Historically, the ward has previously been a BCP stronghold, as it only lost it in 2024 to UDC after the late councillor defected to UDC. Bagwasi was a former councillor for Sefhophe, and he had never lost an election whilst running for a council seat, as he only lost elections when he stood for a parliamentary one.