This weekend’s elective congress in Maun is no routine political gathering, it is a defining moment that could either rejuvenate the party that, for nearly six decades, defined the nation’s political and economic trajectory. Or it could widen the fissures and push the BDP even further down the road to political oblivion. As party members prepare to cast their votes and choose the next leadership, the big question remains, will the BDP emerge united and stronger, or more divided and disillusioned? Founded by the legendary Sir Seretse Khama and others, the BDP transformed Botswana from a veritable infrastructure-less economic backwater, into a beacon of stability and relative prosperity in Southern Africa. For generations, the party’s signature “domkrag” (jack) symbolised not just political strength, but a promise of steady progress and unity. Under its stewardship, Botswana became known for prudent management of diamond wealth, robust institutions, and a reputation for clean governance. That legacy, however, has been severely shaken.
The party’s crushing defeat in the 2024 polls - where it was reduced to just four seats in the 61-member Parliament, marked an unprecedented fall from grace. For the first time since independence, the BDP was swept aside by a resurgent opposition, led by Duma Boko and his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). The loss was not simply a matter of numbers; it was a seismic shock to a party and a nation accustomed to BDP dominance. It left members not only disappointed but also angry and uncertain about the future. The seeds of this defeat were sown in the years leading up to the election. Many party members trace last year’s soul-sapping defeat to a series of internal missteps; contentious primary elections marred by allegations of favouritism and manipulation, a leadership accused of prioritising loyalty over merit, and a growing disconnect between the party elite and its grassroots supporters. Disillusioned veterans and younger members alike felt sidelined, their grievances ignored by an outgoing leadership under President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a leader whose tenure was marked by a damaging rift with his predecessor, Ian Khama.
