The strategy is to saturate the villages with red to assert their presence in these former strongholds now held by the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). The BDP lost these areas to the UDC in the 2019 General Election after former president Ian Khama joined the opposition BPF. Khama commands significant respect in these areas due to his chieftainship. It is uncertain if the BDP can reclaim support there, given Khama's continued alignment with the opposition. Currently, these areas are under the BPF and the UDC control.
One question that arises is whether the BDP will win the area or if their efforts this weekend will increase or decrease the 2019 General Election margins. Historically, chiefs have commanded significant respect from their tribes, who have never voted against them. For example, in the 2014 General Election, Barolong voted with their chief for the Umbrella for Democratis Change (UDC). Similarly, in 2019, Bakgatla voted with their chief, Mmusi Kgafela, and Bangwaketse once voted for the Botswana National Front (BNF) because of Kgosi Bathoen. Will history be repeated? The BDP, as the ruling party, has managed to divide the royal family. As part of its strategy, Khama's cousin, Foster Seretse, will contest the Serowe West constituency under the BDP banner to win the area. However, many are watching to see if this move will bring change or backfire.
