This loss marks a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape, and the BDP members are now looking to the upcoming congress as a critical moment to reassess the party's vision, elect new leaders, and set a new course for recovery. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, who led the party during his time in office, recently made headlines by announcing that he would not be seeking a second term in party leadership.
At a press conference held shortly after the election results were announced, Masisi decisively stated: “I am not seeking a second term,” signaling his intent to step back from the party's top leadership position. The announcement has further stirred internal discussions about succession and the future of the BDP’s leadership. During an interview with the BDP secretary-general. Kavis Kario on Tuesday, Masisi reinforced his stance, clarifying, “It is true that I will not be contesting for the Central Committee position.”His firm statement effectively rules out any possibility of his return to a key leadership role within the BDP, setting the stage for new contenders to emerge. Masisi’s decision comes at a time when the party faces substantial challenges in regaining its footing and restoring its appeal to the electorate after the disappointing election outcome. The BDP's constitution offers guidance on what happens in the event of a leadership vacancy while the party is not in power. According to Article 29.3.5 of the BDP constitution, if there is a vacancy in the office of the president of the party while it is not in power, "the chairperson of the party shall act as president of the party until the next Congress." This provision will play a crucial role as the BDP navigates its current period of transition, with the chairperson expected to assume an interim leadership role as the party regroups. As BDP prepares for its congress, members are intensely aware of the high stakes involved. Traditionally, the congress serves as a platform for party members to engage in constructive dialogue, evaluate the party's policies, and elect new members to the Central Committee, the BDP's decision-making body.
However, this year’s congress will have added significance, given the recent electoral setback and Masisi's decision not to seek re-election. This scenario has opened the door for potential candidates to step forward and campaign for roles that could redefine the BDP’s future. The BDP constitution mandates a structured election process for Central Committee positions, which will be closely followed during the upcoming congress. According to Article 30 of the constitution, these positions are filled through a transparent and democratic process, where each post is contested through a separate secret ballot.Candidates are nominated directly from the congress floor, ensuring that the process remains inclusive and accessible to all eligible members. As specified in Article 30.3, "The nominated candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected to the post in question." This process guarantees that all candidates are given a fair chance to present their vision and leadership credentials to the party members. The defeat in the General Election has amplified the need for a new leadership approach that resonates with the electorate and revitalises the party’s image. For many BDP members, the congress will be an opportunity to reflect on the reasons behind the party’s recent loss and to consider new strategies for re-engaging with voters. This process is likely to involve intense lobbying, as potential candidates for the Central Committee and other key leadership roles position themselves as the leaders capable of bringing fresh energy and ideas to the BDP. Among the contenders, there is expected to be a focus on those with a strong track record of grassroots engagement and the ability to address the pressing issues facing Botswana today.
Masisi’s departure from the leadership stage marks the end of an era for the BDP, and the congress is anticipated to usher in a new chapter for a party that once dominated Botswana’s political landscape. The outcome of the congress could signal a shift in the BDP’s strategy, as members are likely to consider embracing reforms that will help the party adapt to the evolving political environment. Additionally, the congress provides an opportunity for the BDP to re-evaluate its policies and potentially adopt a more progressive stance to appeal to a broader segment of the population, especially young voters who have become increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics. The upcoming congress, with its democratic election process, represents a pivotal moment for the BDP as it attempts to recover from its recent setback and set a new course. As Masisi steps back from the party's frontlines, the spotlight is on those aspiring to fill the leadership gap.
The congress will be a test of the BDP's resilience and adaptability, as it confronts the challenges of a changed political landscape and the demands of an electorate eager for meaningful change. Whether the BDP can emerge from this period of transition with renewed vigor will depend on the strength and vision of the leaders it chooses to guide it into the future. However, some of the people whom members are eyeing to lead the BDP include Mpho Balopi and Dr Thapelo Matseka who had fallen out with Masisi before.
