In simple terms, it means the ruling party has been able to remain relevant to Batswana's demands and challenges. This is no easy feat... However, the long period that the BDP has been in government can also be the cause of a certain weakness - arrogance, a certain laissez faire attitude, a confidence born of this unbroken reign.
Just like Coca-Cola, which has been serving up cola for years and may find no reason to adjust a proven product, the BDP seems to be falling into the trap of over-confidence and arrogant disregard for new ideas. The danger with that is that Botswana is one of the fastest developing countries in the region and change is very rapid both socially and economically. The major challenge for the BDP becomes, therefore, how to remain responsive to the demands of a new society while still staying true to what has kept it relevant to its legacy. The BDP does not seem to be doing too well on finding this equilibrium, as exemplified by its MPs' behaviour. Last week the BDP legislators threw out the motion by Selebi-Phikwe MP Gilson Saleshando, calling on the Botswana government to ratify the 1966 United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It is a very endemic affliction within the party that MPs who often agree with the thrust of a particular motion reject it when it comes to voting.
