After emerging victorious at the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)’s elective congress held in Maun this past weekend, new president Mpho Balopi has set the tone and direction for the party as he aims to return it to power come 2029.
The former BDP Secretary General (SG) returns to the party’s central committee now at its helm after defeating presidential hopefuls, former vice president Slumber Tsogwane, former cabinet minister, Nonofo Molefhi and youthful party activist, Ame Makoba on Saturday.
During his victory address, Balopi said while it will be in history to be the first president to lead the party in opposition, he will also be the first to take it from opposition back into government. However, he said this can only be achieved through unity among the party leadership and democrats.
“BDP is in your hands as democrats while us will be your servants who should show respect and humility as we given the leadership responsibility.”
He assured that the party structures, which are going to be BDP strength, will be respected together with their leaderships. “You will never see any party communications on social media before it has reached all relevant structures. If the issue does not come through structures know that it is not accurate. We have already talked to the structures, executive committee that we should represent you in truth, be committed and work diligently.”
Balopi also committed to work with democrats without taking sides, oppression, hatred, despise or causing divisions.
“Everyone should know that he is a democrat just like any other. I also plead with you that this phrase of bagolo bare referring to me should stop. This phrase has killed our party; it had divided our members so let us forget it and use appropriate words.”
Pleading for the party leadership not to divide people by having their favourites against others, Balopi advised that the only way they can build the BDP going forward as a united party is to ensure that they are exemplary as central committee committed to build and unite democrats.
“Will engage those who stood for positions to see which role they can play in running the party. We do not want factions,” said Balopi who thanked presidential candidates that there were no lobbyists during the campaigns.
He has since given a stern warning for those who might had covertly done so to stop that. “We want to unite members and collect ideas that can take us forward as a party.”
Meanwhile, in a move towards reconciliation, Balopi has reinstated all previously suspended or expelled members ahead of the party’s scheduled national council. “I do this not to despise anyone but I am saying those who believe there were no reasons or shown to them for their suspension or expulsion, it is important that we start building together with them so that they are not left behind as it was not supposed to be like that at the first place.”
That at it may, Balopi has also revealed plans to host a conference for party elders/veterans after the winter season to strengthen and give guidance to the party. He said the elders/veterans will also have an opportunity to elect their leadership of which the chairperson will be an ex-officio member of central committee.
Balopi has also highlighted the need to discuss how they are going to follow processes of reviewing the party’s constitution as there is need for that exercise. “How the constitution was created you can see it was made for a party in government. So, we should speed up to ensure that we make it relevant when in government or even more relevant when we are not”
