- BDP could go into congress without lobby lists
Botswana Democratic Party’s candidate for Secretary General in the May 10 elective congress slated for Maun, Kabo Morwaeng, has advised democrats against the use of lobby lists.
Morwaeng who holds a strong opinion against lobby lists says that the BDP has a long history of lobby lists and factions, which have often undermined party unity, stability, and the inclusion of talented
individuals who could have strengthened the party.
Another candidate who opposes lobby lists is Presidential candidate, Mpho Balopi.
According to Morwaeng, while lobby lists are typically created to influence elections, they often persist beyond the election period, evolving into factions that further divide the party.
He urges party members to reject lobby lists and exercise their democratic right to elect a Central Committee based on individual merit rather than predetermined group interests.
He argues that the party must prioritise democratic choice over imposed leadership structures.
“Lobby lists shift decision-making power from the general membership to lobby leaders. This dynamic weakens both party members and Central Committee members, who may become mere
extensions of lobby leaders rather than independent decision-makers.
“They often result in a leadership structure based on personal loyalty, social circles, and patronage rather than competency, vision, and service to the party,” Morwaeng argues.
The former minister explains that this undermines the party’s ability to attract and retain the best talent.
“The creation of lobby teams fosters a culture of exclusion. Those who were not part of the winning lobby list often face marginalisation, opposition, and mistreatment,” he adds.
According to Morwaeng, the consequences of lobby lists were evident at the Tsabong Congress, where the BDP lost out on some of its best minds. He contends that many members still carry the wounds of that experience to this day.
Similarly, the 2010 split within the BDP can be traced back to the 2009 Kanye Congress, where a factional victory led to exclusion, expulsions, and internal persecution, Morwaeng expounds.
He contends that if they are truly committed to rebuilding the BDP, they must abandon lobby lists and allow democrats to elect leaders based on individual merit, experience, and competence.
The secretary general candidate points out that lobby lists suggest that their leaders are only willing to work with their inner circle while side-lining others.
He argues that this is not the path to rebuilding a strong and united party. Those seeking leadership positions, he says, must avoid endorsing certain candidates at the expense of others, as favouritism
in elections leads to political instability and division.
"As you cast your votes in Maun, take full control of your choices. Prioritise the party’s future over personal loyalties. Do not surrender your democratic rights and independence to lobby list leaders.
“We cannot claim to be rebuilding the BDP while continuing to embrace a practice that has historically weakened and divided us. Let us learn from our past and commit to a future of unity, inclusion, and true democracy,” Morwaeng says.
Morwaeng who holds a strong opinion against lobby lists says that the BDP has a long history of lobby lists and factions, which have often undermined party unity, stability, and the inclusion of talented
individuals who could have strengthened the party.
Another candidate who opposes lobby lists is Presidential candidate, Mpho Balopi.
According to Morwaeng, while lobby lists are typically created to influence elections, they often persist beyond the election period, evolving into factions that further divide the party.
He urges party members to reject lobby lists and exercise their democratic right to elect a Central Committee based on individual merit rather than predetermined group interests.
He argues that the party must prioritise democratic choice over imposed leadership structures.
“Lobby lists shift decision-making power from the general membership to lobby leaders. This dynamic weakens both party members and Central Committee members, who may become mere
extensions of lobby leaders rather than independent decision-makers.
“They often result in a leadership structure based on personal loyalty, social circles, and patronage rather than competency, vision, and service to the party,” Morwaeng argues.
The former minister explains that this undermines the party’s ability to attract and retain the best talent.
“The creation of lobby teams fosters a culture of exclusion. Those who were not part of the winning lobby list often face marginalisation, opposition, and mistreatment,” he adds.
According to Morwaeng, the consequences of lobby lists were evident at the Tsabong Congress, where the BDP lost out on some of its best minds. He contends that many members still carry the wounds of that experience to this day.
Similarly, the 2010 split within the BDP can be traced back to the 2009 Kanye Congress, where a factional victory led to exclusion, expulsions, and internal persecution, Morwaeng expounds.
He contends that if they are truly committed to rebuilding the BDP, they must abandon lobby lists and allow democrats to elect leaders based on individual merit, experience, and competence.
The secretary general candidate points out that lobby lists suggest that their leaders are only willing to work with their inner circle while side-lining others.
He argues that this is not the path to rebuilding a strong and united party. Those seeking leadership positions, he says, must avoid endorsing certain candidates at the expense of others, as favouritism
in elections leads to political instability and division.
"As you cast your votes in Maun, take full control of your choices. Prioritise the party’s future over personal loyalties. Do not surrender your democratic rights and independence to lobby list leaders.
“We cannot claim to be rebuilding the BDP while continuing to embrace a practice that has historically weakened and divided us. Let us learn from our past and commit to a future of unity, inclusion, and true democracy,” Morwaeng says.
