Mmegi

BDP faces internal turmoil

BDP members PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
BDP members PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) faces internal strife following its unexpected defeat in the recent General Election, the loss that brought down the party’s 58-year uninterrupted rule.

This historic outcome has left BDP members divided and frustrated, with heated discussions taking place across various social media platforms. Members have turned on each other, with accusations and demands for accountability circulating, particularly on WhatsApp, where calls for the resignation of the party’s Central Committee (CC) have become increasingly vocal. Leaked conversations obtained by Mmegi shed light on the intensity of these sentiments, as disgruntled members express their frustrations with the party leadership. According to the leaked recordings, many BDP members believe that the CC should bear significant responsibility for the party's poor performance at this year’s polls. They argue that missteps in decision-making and a lack of responsiveness to members' concerns led to a loss of support. Some members have even gone as far as calling for a special congress to address these issues and take decisive action against what they deem as a failure of leadership. "We know that some of the BDP members contributed to the loss of our party as we failed to vote for it," remarked one frustrated member. This sentiment echoes across several conversations, with members admitting that their disillusionment with the party’s internal processes prevented them from casting their votes in favour of the BDP. According to these members, unresolved grievances, particularly regarding the BDP’s internal primary election process known as Bulela-Ditswe, were a critical factor in their decision not to support the party. "Some members didn’t vote for it because they were unhappy with the outcome of Bulela-Ditswe as they complained that they weren’t heard properly," another member noted.

The primaries held just two months before the general elections, have been a particular point of contention. Many members argue that this timing left candidates with insufficient time to mount effective campaigns, ultimately putting the party at a disadvantage. "The party leadership’s decision to hold primary elections two months before the general elections was one of the ticking bombs," a member commented. "Candidates did not have enough time to campaign, which became a disadvantage to the party." This short campaign period was seen as a crucial error, one that weakened the BDP’s position and hindered its ability to mobilise effectively. Moreover, the lack of reconciliation within the party following the primary elections has left lingering divisions. According to the leaked discussions, BDP leadership made no effort to mend the rift between successful and unsuccessful candidates, a move that some members feel exacerbated internal conflicts. "The members did not call for reconciliation to those who lost," a BDP member lamented. This failure to foster unity amongst party members has contributed to a climate of distrust and resentment, making it difficult for the BDP to present a cohesive front in the general elections. In addition to internal party dynamics, members have also highlighted the arrogance of some BDP leaders as a factor that contributed to the party's defeat. This perceived arrogance, they argue, alienated voters and prevented the leadership from addressing the genuine concerns of the party’s base.

According to one source, "Some party leaders’ arrogance is one of the things that contributed to the loss." This sentiment reflects a growing frustration with what is seen as a lack of humility and accountability within the upper ranks of the party.

BDP secretary-general, Kavis Kario highlighted that the party’s internal problems, however, are not the only issues cited by members as contributing to the party’s electoral defeat. Economic challenges, particularly the high unemployment rate, played a significant role in shaping voter attitudes. “Many members believe that the BDP has failed to adequately address these pressing socio-economic issues, and this failure has eroded the party’s support base. Unemployment has also played a major role. The members feel that this is the time for the party to go back to its roots," Kario said. He further explained that the high unemployment rate has had a particularly strong impact on the youth, who are increasingly disillusioned with the BDP’s inability to provide meaningful opportunities.

Additionally, he said concerns about healthcare and education are frequently mentioned in discussions about the party’s shortcomings. Moreover, he said members argue that the BDP’s failure to improve access to quality healthcare and education has left a large segment of the population feeling neglected. Some point to issues such as the prevalence of temporary teachers and the poor performance of certain schools as indicators of the BDP’s inadequate approach to social services. He said despite these challenges, some BDP members see this moment as an opportunity for introspection and reform within the party. “They argue that the election loss should be a wake-up call, prompting the BDP to reassess its approach and reconnect with its foundational principles. “Democrats must take this as an opportunity to introspect, refocus, and regroup. It’s time to determine a way forward as a collective,” he said.

He revealed that many members are calling for the election of new leaders who possess the necessary competencies to guide the party in a more effective and inclusive direction. "We need leaders who are strategists, have the correct experience, are relatable, and are untainted by political biases and factions," he added. The party secretary-general said this call for fresh leadership reflects a desire within the party to move away from divisive politics and focus on building a united front that can better address the population's needs. He said BDP’s path forward will likely require significant changes in both leadership and policy direction. Furthermore, he said to regain the trust of its supporters, the party will need to address the internal conflicts that have plagued it, make a genuine effort to reconcile with disaffected members, and prioritise the socio-economic issues that are of utmost importance to the electorate. “Only by tackling these challenges head-on can the BDP hope to rebuild and regain its position in Botswana's political landscape,” Kario said. The party secretary also said the BDP’s election loss has revealed deep-seated issues within the party, from unresolved conflicts stemming from the primary elections to dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of economic and social concerns.

Editor's Comment
A step in the right direction

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