- Age, experience concerns loom over BDP leadership race - Party heavyweights throw their names in for leadership - Masisi, Tsogwane alliance broken - Democrats frustrated by national polls outcome want revamped red machine
As the Botswana Democratic Party braces itself for a crucial elective Congress that holds the potential to shape its future, internal tensions and political manoeuvring are beginning to surface, giving rise to a deepening rift within the party.
The emergence of stark divisions between key personalities within the BDP leadership, particularly between former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his Vice President also incumbent party Chairman, Slumber Tsogwane, has set the stage for a high stakes battle that could define the party's trajectory moving forward.
Reports from party insiders suggest that a fallout between the erstwhile allies - Masisi and Tsogwane - is becoming increasingly apparent as they throw their weight behind different factions within the party. Former President Masisi's vocal support for Dr Maxwell Daniel Nhlatho in Maun has not gone unnoticed, signalling a significant shift in alliances within the BDP hierarchy.
On the other side of the divide, a formidable coalition of democrats is uniting around former Secretary General and former cabinet minister Mpho Balopi, who has emerged as a frontrunner in the race for party Presidency. The brewing conflict appears to pit Masisi's chosen candidate, Dr Nhlatho, against the favoured candidate of a majority of democrats, Mpho Balopi.
Balopi, who is believed to enjoy backing from influential reformists and seasoned party veterans, has rapidly garnered widespread support within party ranks, positioning himself as a formidable contender for the top leadership role.
The looming showdown at the upcoming elective Congress is set to be a decisive moment for the BDP, with the contrasting visions and allegiances of the key players underscoring a pivotal juncture in the party's history.
The clash between Masisi and Tsogwane, played out through Masisi's December press briefing when he highlighted that it was now time for far younger democrats to take over the leadership of the party.
Many saw this as an indirect endorsement of Dr Nhlatho signalling the divergent paths that the party could potentially take, depending on the outcome of the internal power struggle as now the incumbent party Chairperson, Tsogwane has shown interest in contesting for the Presidency as well.
Masisi's remarks at the press briefing have created a new narrative within the party circles with democrats questioning the suitability of two candidates in their 60s, Tsogwane and Nonofo Molefhi, to lead the party in the modern era of politics. Members argue that the fast paced demands of contemporary politics require fresh perspectives and energy that may be lacking in candidates of their age group.
Both Tsogwane and Molefhi - stalwarts in the BDP with significant experience - face increasing scrutiny over their age and the potential limitations it may bring in steering the party towards a dynamic future. This sentiment is echoed by a growing faction within the party, suggesting that elevating leaders from a younger generation could inject vitality and vision into the organisation.
As the momentum builds towards the Congress, the stakes have never been higher for the once ‘mighty red’ as democrats called themselves before suffering a devastating defeat from the now ruling party, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
Nevertheless, many are considering Dr Nhlatho as a lightweight who regardless of former President Dr Masisi's backing is not in any case in the race.
Much of the contest is expected between Balopi and Molefhi, a race that symbolises not just a battle for leadership but a broader conflict over the party's identity and direction, with implications that could reverberate throughout the political landscape of Botswana.
Speculation is rife that a notable contender, former BDP Women's Wing Chairperson and Ambassador to Australia Dorcas Makgato, might pivot her candidacy and opt to stand for the Secretary General position under the leadership of Balopi. Makgato is seen by many as a force to reckon with having been one of the few BDP women who never backed down on a fight against her male counterparts.
She enjoys the support of many female democrats after she revamped the Women’s Wing which for the first time held its own conference to discuss issues affecting women within the party and in general.
If she pivots, as is widely believed, she will face former cabinet Minister and incumbent Secretary General, Dr Lemogang Kwape, former cabinet Minister in the Office of the President and PEEC Secretary, Kabo Morwaeng, DDT School of Medicine owner, Dr Derric Tlhoiwe and former BDP NYEC General Secretary, Thabo Autlwetse.
This strategic move is believed to not only bolster Balopi's campaign for the presidency but also secure a formidable team that embodies a balance of experience and innovation. Balopi, seen as a promising candidate with a progressive agenda, stands to benefit from Makgato's potential alliance, which could help consolidate his support base and strengthen his bid for the top leadership position.
Dr Lemogang Kwape's bid for the BDP Secretary General position has stirred controversy and speculation within the party's ranks. The rumour mill is abuzz with whispers of Dr Kwape's intentions, but his candidacy is already facing significant pushback from within the party.
Many members are staunchly opposed to his potential leadership bid, citing his past association with the party's previous leadership and the failures that led to the BDP losing power in the last elections.
Dr Kwape's role as the former deputy secretary general has come under scrutiny, with critics pointing to his involvement in decisions that may have contributed to the party's decline. Sometimes last year Dr Kwape and Tsogwane were accused of having become shadow Secretary Generals of the party running its affairs in the presence of the substantive Secretary General, Kavis Kario.
Amidst the whispers of Dr Kwape's ambitions, a growing chorus of voices within the BDP are expressing skepticism about his candidacy, along with those of other contenders like Kabo Morwaeng and Slumber Tsogwane.
The sentiment among many party members is one of frustration and disillusionment, with calls for a fresh start and a break from the past leadership that was ushered in during the Tsabong elective congress that failed to deliver results.
As the BDP ponders its leadership choices and the implications for its future direction, the discourse around age, experience, and innovation intensifies, with members grappling with the delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing change in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
The upcoming election promises to be a defining moment for the BDP, as it seeks to chart a course that resonates with both its legacy and the aspirations of a new generation of leaders and voters.
With alliances shifting, loyalties being tested and tensions escalating, the stage is set for a showdown of epic proportions within the BDP.
The outcome of the impending elective Congress is poised to reshape the party's leadership dynamics and chart a course for its future, with the spectre of a potential rift threatening to overshadow the once-unified front of the ruling party.
The emergence of stark divisions between key personalities within the BDP leadership, particularly between former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his Vice President also incumbent party Chairman, Slumber Tsogwane, has set the stage for a high stakes battle that could define the party's trajectory moving forward.
Reports from party insiders suggest that a fallout between the erstwhile allies - Masisi and Tsogwane - is becoming increasingly apparent as they throw their weight behind different factions within the party. Former President Masisi's vocal support for Dr Maxwell Daniel Nhlatho in Maun has not gone unnoticed, signalling a significant shift in alliances within the BDP hierarchy.
On the other side of the divide, a formidable coalition of democrats is uniting around former Secretary General and former cabinet minister Mpho Balopi, who has emerged as a frontrunner in the race for party Presidency. The brewing conflict appears to pit Masisi's chosen candidate, Dr Nhlatho, against the favoured candidate of a majority of democrats, Mpho Balopi.
Balopi, who is believed to enjoy backing from influential reformists and seasoned party veterans, has rapidly garnered widespread support within party ranks, positioning himself as a formidable contender for the top leadership role.
The looming showdown at the upcoming elective Congress is set to be a decisive moment for the BDP, with the contrasting visions and allegiances of the key players underscoring a pivotal juncture in the party's history.
The clash between Masisi and Tsogwane, played out through Masisi's December press briefing when he highlighted that it was now time for far younger democrats to take over the leadership of the party.
Many saw this as an indirect endorsement of Dr Nhlatho signalling the divergent paths that the party could potentially take, depending on the outcome of the internal power struggle as now the incumbent party Chairperson, Tsogwane has shown interest in contesting for the Presidency as well.
Masisi's remarks at the press briefing have created a new narrative within the party circles with democrats questioning the suitability of two candidates in their 60s, Tsogwane and Nonofo Molefhi, to lead the party in the modern era of politics. Members argue that the fast paced demands of contemporary politics require fresh perspectives and energy that may be lacking in candidates of their age group.
Both Tsogwane and Molefhi - stalwarts in the BDP with significant experience - face increasing scrutiny over their age and the potential limitations it may bring in steering the party towards a dynamic future. This sentiment is echoed by a growing faction within the party, suggesting that elevating leaders from a younger generation could inject vitality and vision into the organisation.
As the momentum builds towards the Congress, the stakes have never been higher for the once ‘mighty red’ as democrats called themselves before suffering a devastating defeat from the now ruling party, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
Nevertheless, many are considering Dr Nhlatho as a lightweight who regardless of former President Dr Masisi's backing is not in any case in the race.
Much of the contest is expected between Balopi and Molefhi, a race that symbolises not just a battle for leadership but a broader conflict over the party's identity and direction, with implications that could reverberate throughout the political landscape of Botswana.
Speculation is rife that a notable contender, former BDP Women's Wing Chairperson and Ambassador to Australia Dorcas Makgato, might pivot her candidacy and opt to stand for the Secretary General position under the leadership of Balopi. Makgato is seen by many as a force to reckon with having been one of the few BDP women who never backed down on a fight against her male counterparts.
She enjoys the support of many female democrats after she revamped the Women’s Wing which for the first time held its own conference to discuss issues affecting women within the party and in general.
If she pivots, as is widely believed, she will face former cabinet Minister and incumbent Secretary General, Dr Lemogang Kwape, former cabinet Minister in the Office of the President and PEEC Secretary, Kabo Morwaeng, DDT School of Medicine owner, Dr Derric Tlhoiwe and former BDP NYEC General Secretary, Thabo Autlwetse.
This strategic move is believed to not only bolster Balopi's campaign for the presidency but also secure a formidable team that embodies a balance of experience and innovation. Balopi, seen as a promising candidate with a progressive agenda, stands to benefit from Makgato's potential alliance, which could help consolidate his support base and strengthen his bid for the top leadership position.
Dr Lemogang Kwape's bid for the BDP Secretary General position has stirred controversy and speculation within the party's ranks. The rumour mill is abuzz with whispers of Dr Kwape's intentions, but his candidacy is already facing significant pushback from within the party.
Many members are staunchly opposed to his potential leadership bid, citing his past association with the party's previous leadership and the failures that led to the BDP losing power in the last elections.
Dr Kwape's role as the former deputy secretary general has come under scrutiny, with critics pointing to his involvement in decisions that may have contributed to the party's decline. Sometimes last year Dr Kwape and Tsogwane were accused of having become shadow Secretary Generals of the party running its affairs in the presence of the substantive Secretary General, Kavis Kario.
Amidst the whispers of Dr Kwape's ambitions, a growing chorus of voices within the BDP are expressing skepticism about his candidacy, along with those of other contenders like Kabo Morwaeng and Slumber Tsogwane.
The sentiment among many party members is one of frustration and disillusionment, with calls for a fresh start and a break from the past leadership that was ushered in during the Tsabong elective congress that failed to deliver results.
As the BDP ponders its leadership choices and the implications for its future direction, the discourse around age, experience, and innovation intensifies, with members grappling with the delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing change in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
The upcoming election promises to be a defining moment for the BDP, as it seeks to chart a course that resonates with both its legacy and the aspirations of a new generation of leaders and voters.
With alliances shifting, loyalties being tested and tensions escalating, the stage is set for a showdown of epic proportions within the BDP.
The outcome of the impending elective Congress is poised to reshape the party's leadership dynamics and chart a course for its future, with the spectre of a potential rift threatening to overshadow the once-unified front of the ruling party.
