BDP BLEEDS Botswana Democratic Party Faces Exodus After Historic Election Loss

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which recently lost its grip on power after 58 years of uninterrupted rule, is now facing a wave of resignations from prominent and lower structure members. The party, once a symbol of stability and governance in Botswana, is now grappling with internal turmoil and calls for a complete overhaul of its leadership.

Over the past week, several members have been handing in their resignations from the party, including those who served in some of their strategic structures. Many claim that the party has veered into a direction they cannot identify with, while others feel disgruntled that they were never treated fairly and therefore have decided not to remain with the party in its hour of need.

There has thus been mounting pressure for those in the leadership to step down, and this past Wednesday, the most significant resignation came from the party’s Secretary General, Kavis Kario, who owned up to his role in the party’s electoral defeat. In his resignation statement, Kario suggested that the BDP needs new leadership to regain its former glory. “I would like to apologize to members of the BDP and the people of Botswana for my part in leading the party to its first electoral loss since 1965,” Kario wrote. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset and personnel, the BDP could return to its glory days. Kario however, did not resign from the party, and promised to serve it away from leadership.

Ahead of Kario’s resignation, the party’s long serving Treasurer Satar Dada retired from politics, effectively leaving the BDP as well. The party’s Youth League leader, Collen Mochothi, also stepped down from his position,  admitting his failure to steer the youth wing effectively.

Adding to the exodus, former Communications Minister Pelonomi Venson Moitoi this Friday resigned, citing the party’s deviation from its founding ideals. “Over the past 15 years, I have battled within a BDP that was slowly but surely veering away from its social democratic principles that had made it the envy of many,” Moitoi stated. Her departure is a significant blow, given her long-standing association with the party as well, although social commentators were quick to dismiss her resignation as insignificant as she has not been heard of for a long time. In fact, many expressed shock that she was still with the party, having known her to have gone a long time ago after falling out with the president over her challenge for the party’s presidency.

These resignations however, which include those in lesser structures or were just aspiring MPs and councilors, further underscore the growing discontent within the party ranks.

The BDP’s recent electoral defeat was a seismic shift in Botswana’s political landscape. The party, founded in 1962 by Sir Seretse Khama, had governed the country since its independence in 1966. Over the decades, the BDP enjoyed virtually unquestioned hegemony, benefiting from its economic policies and pragmatic management of tribal relations. However, increasing urbanization, the emergence of a middle class, and economic challenges weakened the party’s support base.

The recent elections saw the opposition coalition, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by Duma Boko, secure a landslide victory. The BDP’s poorly articulated manifesto, coupled with perceptions of corruption and a lack of transparency, contributed to its downfall. The party’s over-dependence on diamonds and failure to diversify the economy further alienated voters.

Amidst the resignations, there are growing calls for the party’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, to step down and make way for younger leadership. Masisi, who succeeded Ian Khama in 2018, is under immense pressure to resign following the party’s dismal performance. Despite the mounting pressure, Masisi has announced plans to tour the country and address regional party leaders in an attempt to stabilize the party and chart a way forward.

The BDP’s future remains uncertain as it navigates this period of introspection and restructuring. The party’s ability to adapt and rejuvenate its leadership will be crucial in determining its relevance in Botswana’s evolving political landscape.