Balopi says he will only be removed through democratic process
The President of the Botswana Democratic party (BDP), Mpho Balopi has expressed confidence that his presidency is under no threat.
Balopi was voted into office during a Maun National Congress in May last year taking over from Mogweetsi Masisi who led the party from 2018.
There have been rumours that Balopi’s presidency could be under threat as some sections of the party have expressed discomfort with him ahead of the 2029 general election.
The BDP has since its devastating loss of state power in 2024, been polarised with the collapse of various party structures and some members dumping the party.
Some former cabinet members have allegedly been trying to find a suitable replacement for Balopi to unify the party as it prepares itself to fit in the opposition politics space and prepare for 2029.
What also caused the discomfort is said to have been the corruption allegations Balopi finds himself fighting. Another controversial matter is the transactions he had with fellow democrat and former Minister Kefentse Mzwinila over the procurement of a farm.
Mzwinila is currently engaged in a legal battle with the state regarding his properties.
In response to the rumours Balopi indicated that even though there could be such a plan, he is not aware of it. He said democrats have expressed confidence in his leadership by voting him the president.
He indicated that if there is anyone interested in the presidency, “the BDP has processes and procedures that have to be followed.”
“We cannot be threatened that someone will take the seat from you. I have a track record in the BDP which speaks for itself. Processes are there to be followed. You all know how the BDP elects its leadership,” Balopi said.
The BDP will this weekend convene in Palapye for its National Retreat. The party will discuss among others, resuscitation of structures, and new strategies as an opposition party, including preparations for the coming general election.
BDP Secretary General Kentse Rammidi expressed confidence in their president. He said Balopi has taken he party central committee into confidence about the allegations of corruption.
“He took us into confidence about those transactions. We did not ask him, he did it out of his own volition. Our assessment showed that Balopi did not contravene any law,” Rammidi said.
According to Rammidi if there could be any changes they will know and accordingly communicate with party members.
“We are not going to sit here and relax that people want our positions. It is democracy that we choose. The day you are in a position, one may want it and it is OK as long as it is done within the confines of our constitution,” Rammidi said.