BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE

As the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) prepares for its high-stakes Central Committee elections, the campaign trail has been anything but dull. While candidates loudly proclaim the rejection of lobby lists, their actions seem to paint a different picture.A closer look reveals a quiet convergence around presidential candidate Mpho Balopi raising eyebrows, stoking rival claims, and deepening the debate about the future of internal party democracy. Though the chorus of voices denouncing lobby lists has grown louder, a significant number of aspirants have frequently appeared side by side with Balopi during his campaign events. Among them are Secretary General hopefuls Kentse Rammidi, Kabo Morwaeng, and Pelotshweu Baeng. Deputy Secretary General contenders Bakani R. Thukuthe and Selwana Kesebonye have also been part of the entourage, as has Chairmanship candidate Dorcus Makgato. Additional member candidates Malebogo Malele, Akim Setswalo, Dr. Alfred Madigela, and Tshepo Makgalemele have shown similar alignment, as has Tshepho Jim, who is running for the Deputy Treasurer position. In response to questions about the optics of his campaign, Balopi has insisted that there is no formal lobby list under his leadership.Speaking passionately at a recent gathering, he described the apparent alignment of candidates as a natural consequence of shared values and unity, not factionalism. “These individuals believe in working together for the greater good of the party. None of us can succeed alone. The presence of these candidates is not about loyalty to me, but about loyalty to the BDP and the values it stands for.” Balopi said that the presence of other candidates is a sign of shared cooperation. Balopi’s message of unity is clear; his vision is for an inclusive party where all voices matter. He argues that a united front, as symbolized by the collaborative presence of candidates, offers a glimpse into a harmonious post-election future. But not everyone is convinced. Fellow presidential contender Nonofo Molefhi has voiced a contrasting view, casting doubt on the sincerity behind the “no lobby list” narrative. While careful not to outright accuse his rival, Molefhi has pointed out the contradictions between what is being said and what is being done.“The truth has never been hidden when it comes to internal alignments,” Molefhi remarked. “Even if people claim they are not working from a lobby list, if they consistently appear together, campaign together, and speak the same language, doesn’t that suggest a coordinated front?” Molefhi believes that Balopi’s camp is engaging in what he terms a “subtle presentation” of a lobby list - a strategic branding of unity that avoids the traditional structure of a formal slate but effectively functions in the same way. He also noted that the idea of running without a lobby list was not pioneered by him. “I was the one who initiated this approach when I launched my campaign,” he stated. “Our intention has always been to build a merit-based leadership, where individuals are elected based on their competencies, not because they are part of someone else’s bandwagon.” Molefhi has experience to back up his stance. Reflecting on the party’s 2017 elective congress in Tonota, he recalled heading a lobby list at the time.However, he emphasized that his team had no intention of dividing the party. “We understood the principle of the party. We went in united, and after the elections, we folded back into the party to support each other. A lobby list should not create factions, it should be a temporary tool, not a permanent divide.” A similar pattern played out in Tsabong in 2022, Molefhi said. The campaigns ended, and unity prevailed.

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BDP'S DO OR DIE WEEKEND HERE