- ‘Sefhophe by-election set pace for BCP win in 2029’ -Saleshando
- ‘I don’t think BCP has mettle to win power in 2029’ – Analyst
BAKANG TIRO
Doubt has been cast by political observers over the optuimism expressed by Botswana Congress Party (BCP), claiming that the Sefhophe by-election results show that they will defeat the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the 2029 general election.
The BCP has been boasting about their victory against the UDC in hotly contested Sefhophe ward by-election last weekend in Mmadinare constituency. UDC had won Sefophe during 2024 general election. Last week BCP candidate Mokwaledi Bagwasi won the ward with 800 votes, followed by the UDC’s Thabiso Galebotse with 705, and Same Senkanang-Ditshoto of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) with 291. Loeto Porati of Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) trailed with 225 votes.
Political analyst, Frank Mogotsi said BCP victory is crucial in the sense that it has reaffirmed the party’s position as strong opponent to UDC on the basis of it being the majority opposition party in Botswana. He noted that BCP mounted a strong campaign against UDC which enjoyed incumbency, adding that its loss is a setback and it should come as a wakeup call to the coalition to introspect going forward.
“Every victory of a ward or constituency in the by election is significant for any political party. But I don’t think that BCP has mettle to win power in 2029. The party still has to do more in terms of growing more especially in the South. It remains strong in North West region. It needs at least coalition,” said Mogotsi, adding that BCP should fast track their Going South campaign mobilization before 2028 to make a mark.
BCP launched the Going South campaign in an endeavor to strengthen its presence in the southern part of Botswana as it targets to contest more constituencies during the 2029 general election. Launching the campaign last year, Saleshando said in most of the constituencies in south of Botswana, there is no political party that can claim dominance at all, adding that BCP stand a chance to win too. From its current 15 MPs, BCP has only one MP coming from South of Dibete being Dr Unity Dow representing Kgatleng West.
Confidence
Bouyed by confidence following Sefhophe by-election triumph, BCP has warned the UDC that they will be toppled come 2029 general election. Addressing the media this week in Gaborone, BCP President Dumelang Saleshando indicated that the Sefhophe outcome shouldn’t be taken lightly, adding that it is warning to UDC coming from upset voters. He said it is now or never for the UDC to up its game and deliver on its electoral pledges or it would face fierce rejection from the electorates in 2029.
According to Saleshando, BPC has won three council by elections since 2024 general election, a reflection of faith that voters have on the BCP as compared to the ruling UDC. “The numbers speak volumes. We continued to increase our representation. Winning convincingly with 100 votes margin against UDC in Sefophe means a lot to us. We are confident of winning state power in 2029. UDC has offered voters nothing since change of government in 2024,” said Saleshando assuredly.
Subcommittees
Meanwhile, BCP Secretary General (SG) Goretetse Kekgonegile explained that Central Committee has resolved to establish subcommittees such as communication and finance as a way of preparing the party for 2029 election. He underscored the importance of strategic repositioning in pursuit of attaining state power. “We are positioning ourselves as political party and we want our messaging to be well coordinated. The committees will be relief the Central Committee burden of coordinating the party from top to grassroot levels. Strategic committees would begin work and lay the strategy on how we approach 2029,” he said.
In addition, Kekgonegile concurred with Saleshando that BCP will win 2029 noting that UDC must come out of comfort zone and feel the reality of being in government while delivering its promises to voters.