No audacious quest to challenge Masisi for BDP presidency

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday April 2, 2024 11:27

Although it is still early with various regions having not held their committees' elections, so far, three regional committees have voiced their support for Masisi. Masisi got the shock of his life barely a year into his presidency in 2019 when one of his Cabinet members, Venson-Moitoi, stood tall and became firm and determined about her audacious quest to become the next ruling party president. Venson- Moitoi eventually chickened out in the presidential race at the 11th hour stating that she would not take part in a ‘sham’ election.

Fast forward five years later, Masisi could be cruising all the way as no challenger has emerged to depart from the BDP’s long tradition of not challenging sitting party presidents. Currently, with no other name besides Masisi’s being endorsed, there is a possibility that Masisi might not be challenged in the upcoming congress. However, it is yet to be seen if someone would write to inform the party through the secretary-general (SG) three months before the presidential election. The BDP is expected to hold its congress after its manifesto launch which might happen in May, 2024. The party has 14 regions and some have not yet held their regional congresses. The three regions which have endorsed President Masisi are Western, Central and South West. It has since become clearer that the BDP has begun preparations for its national congress, as some regions want Masisi to retain his position as party president and once again lead the party to the general election in October this year. As per the BDP constitution, the party's president is to be elected every five years.

According to Article 29 of the BDP, when the party is in power, the president of the party shall be elected by a secret ballot at a national congress of the party called by the central committee during every general election year. Furthermore, each region may nominate and submit one candidate's name in good standing from any region to the SG not less than 24 hours before the commencement of the national congress. It also states that any other member may also submit their name, sponsored by at least 50 delegates. The SG is tasked with publishing the names of the aspirant candidates on the notice board for all delegates at the national congress. Additionally, the constitution states that the elected individual, other than the incumbent, will be designated as the president-designate of the party, assuming the position upon the predecessor's lawful departure. Consequently, the designated president becomes the party's presidential candidate in the forthcoming national elections.

However, no member can qualify as a candidate for the party presidency unless eligible to be President of Botswana under the Botswana Constitution. The BDP spokesperson, Kagelelo Kentse, confirmed the endorsement of Masisi by the three regions. 'This is part of the preparation for the upcoming party congress, which will be held soon. The congress would be held as per the requirement of the party constitution,' he said.