President of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said for peace’s sake he will take responsibility of the party’s loss in 2024 election but he is surprised that some of his former ministers are attacking him, when they couldn’t openly criticize him during campaigns with that equally irritating him. Ever since the BDP suffered defeat at the hands of the coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), some of notable BDP members launched scathing attacks on him, something that he says he is ready for.
Dr Masisi while briefing the media on the preparations of the upcoming elective congress said he has a candid relationship with some of his former cabinet ministers.
Former minister of agriculture and Member of Parliament (MP) for Shashe West Fidelis Molao has been consistently criticizing Masisi in the mainstream media and social media platforms ever since last year.
Molao has since shown interest to contest for central committee position as Deputy Secretary General (DSG).
“They told me that the reason why we lost elections it because of me. They put the blame on me and referenced to some of my public utterances as the reason why they lost elections. But surprisingly, they didn’t take time to confront me about that until after elections. Why, they blame me now,” he added.
In addition, Masisi said he is open for any criticism from BDP members regarding the 2024 election defeat pointing out that his view is that all BDP members must collectively accept defeat without pointing fingers to him alone.
According to him, the party is now on a regrouping phase which is going smoothly to prepare for the 2029 election.
Quizzed about whether the party will remain intact until the next elections, Masisi said he has no doubt BDP is united buttressing that all structures will be rebuilt to ensure that BDP remain highly organized.
“I don’t underestimate the strength of our party. We just lost election yesterday and I believe that we have responded very well. We have everything to win back power and oust the now ruling UDC,” said Masisi.
Divisions
Political analyst, Kitso Morekisi said the revolt by former ministers and other influential BDP members signal divisions within the party ahead of the national elective congress.
He said Masisi would continue to be in the receiving end because of resistance to step down as BDP president.
“Masisi commands less power now and BDP members are turning against him. There have been mass resignations of members in party committees and this shows no confidence on his leadership. He should have long resigned to avoid this growing public humiliation from his own party members,” said Morekisi.
Congress
Meanwhile, Masisi the central committee has took a decision to convene the elective congress earlier than the initial July 2025 date, noting that it is a strategic move for BDP to have new leadership swiftly.
He indicated that the leadership will announce soon the dates of the elective congress but sources in the party hint that the congress could be held in April this year during Good Friday holidays.
Masisi said the women and youth elective congress would be held at a later date as well as the national council as they were initial planned to become part of the national congress.
He said the central committee has also opened up for members interest to contest for positions to start their campaigns, adding that as the party president he supports every democrat but unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to vote for them.
According to Masisi, BDP boast of highly capable members who would transform fortunes of the party if elected to the central committee.
He also said the Electoral Board will be responsible for conducting the highly anticipated central committee elections in the Maun national congress.