16 Jul 2026

The leader of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Mr Dumelang Saleshando has secured another term to lead the party toward the 2029 general elections as his seat will not be challenged at the coming party elective congress.

The party will over the long weekend (July18-21) hold an elective congress at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School.

The congress will elect office bearers for the positions of vice president, chairperson, secretary general, deputy secretary general, treasurer general and secretary for information and publicity.

The spotlight is expected to fall on what is shaping up to be the most closely watched contest of the congress, being the race for vice presidency.

The contest pits Dr Unity Dow, against incumbent vice president Mr Taolo Lucas, in a battle expected to test the influence of the party’s most prominent figures.

Another competitive race is for the position of chairperson, where Mr Sennye Obuseng, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama and Ms Daisy Bathusi are seeking delegates’ endorsement.

The 2026 BCP Elective Congress will gather 3 200 delegates from all regions with the view to rejuvenate the party by electing new leadership that will steer the party toward the 2029 General Election.

The elective congress, held under the theme: Renewing our Commitment: Preparing the BCP for 2029 and Beyond, will be officially opened on Sunday.

For the seat of secretary general, Mr Emmanuel Maite will challenge the incumbent, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, while Ms Refiloe Aphiri and Ms Tebogo Molefe are contesting for deputy secretary general.

The race for treasurer general has attracted three candidates; Mr Obakeng Moumakwa, Mr Reuben Kaizer and Ms Manka Gampone while Mr Gregory Kelebonye and Mr Olebile Machete will compete for the position of secretary for information and publicity.

According to the programme, delegates will begin arriving on Saturday (July 18), before the official opening on Sunday.

Proceedings on the opening day will include the treasurer general’s audited financial report and the secretary general’s report.

Voting for the party’s new leadership is scheduled for Monday, July 20, with polling expected to run from 0600hrs until 1500hrs.

The party has indicated that no constitutional amendments are expected at this year’s congress, having held a constitutional conference in 2025.

The congress is also expected to reaffirm the party’s political direction and strategy as it prepares for the 2029 General Election.

Invitations have been extended to opposition political parties from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), diplomatic missions accredited to Botswana, as well as labour movements and trade union federations. ENDS