During the congress, a new party leadership will be elected to steer the BDP until the next general election. So far, party veteran Mpho Balopi and youthful Ame Makoba have officially expressed their interest in the presidency.
Currently, the party is grappling with the loss of members to other political parties following its defeat in the last national polls. To make matters worse, some members are advocating for the congress to be held earlier, arguing that this would provide the party with a stronger foundation ahead of the elections.
Dissatisfied members attribute the party’s electoral loss to the current Central Committee (CC) and are calling for a review of the party’s constitution, particularly regarding the powers vested in the party president. They believe these powers are excessively concentrated.
Meanwhile, the current leadership has proposed engaging an external company to survey the causes of the party's defeat. However, this has sparked a debate, as concerned members argue that such a task should be handled by the incoming CC. It is anticipated that if certain factions within the party feel side-lined after the congress, they may leave, further weakening the BDP.
Recently, former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, who led the party during his time in office, made headlines by announcing that he would not be seeking a second term in the party leadership.
In a press conference held shortly after the election results were announced, Masisi decisively stated: “I am not seeking a second term,” signalling his intent to step back from the party's top leadership position. The announcement has further stirred internal discussions about succession and the future of the BDP’s leadership.
The CC was also hit by resignations, which included the former secretary-general, Kavis Kario, and others.
However, Masisi’s decision came at a time when the party faced substantial challenges in regaining its footing and restoring its appeal to the electorate after the disappointing election outcome.
As the BDP prepares for its congress, members are intensely aware of the high stakes involved. Traditionally, the congress serves as a platform for party members to engage in constructive dialogue, evaluate the party's policies, and elect new members to the CC, the BDP's decision-making body.
However, this year’s congress will have added significance, given the recent electoral setback and Masisi's decision not to seek re-election. This scenario has opened the door for potential candidates to step forward and campaign for roles that could redefine the BDP’s future. The BDP constitution mandates a structured election process for CC positions, which will be closely followed during the upcoming congress.
According to Article 30 of the BDP constitution, these positions are filled through a transparent and democratic process, where each post is contested through a separate secret ballot. Candidates are nominated directly from the congress floor, ensuring that the process remains inclusive and accessible to all eligible members.
As specified in Article 30.3: "The nominated candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected to the post in question". This process guarantees that all candidates are given a fair chance to present their vision and leadership credentials to the party members.
The defeat in the general election has amplified the need for a new leadership approach that resonates with the electorate and revitalises the party’s image.
The congress will allow members to reflect on the reasons behind the party’s recent loss and to consider new strategies for re-engaging with voters. This process is likely to involve intense lobbying, as potential candidates for the CC and other key leadership roles position themselves as the leaders capable of bringing fresh energy and ideas to the BDP.
