Africa-Press – Botswana. BDP’s unity theory put to test in Kgalagadi South
In a high-stakes move to consolidate power and foster unity, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) President, Mpho Balopi, has brokered a controversial compromise in the Kgalagadi South constituency ahead of the looming Parliamentary by-election.
The deal, which saw former Member of Parliament (MP) Sam Brooks step down to pave way for rival Dianne Kaartze, is being hailed as a triumph of party cohesion but also risks reopening old wounds within the BDP.
The constituency, left vacant by the death of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) MP Dr Micus Chimbombi on July 26, 2025, was set for a primary election on September 27. However, the contest was abruptly cancelled after Balopi’s intervention.
At a press conference in Gaborone, this week, Balopi confirmed his direct involvement.
“Recently we visited the constituency and discussed this matter with elders and candidates,” he stated. “We requested a compromise so we could have one candidate and avoid primary elections. The aim is to win against all odds.”
It total there were three candidates vetted to contests in Bulela-Ditswe, namely Kaartze, Brooks and Henry Louw.
According to party insiders, Balopi’s preferred candidate has always been Kaartze, who defeated Brooks in the 2024 primaries but ultimately lost the general election to Chimbombi. To ensure a clear path for Kaartze, Balopi reportedly persuaded Brooks to step aside, a move that has been met with mixed reactions.
Brooks, a long-time BDP stalwart, confirmed his decision to honour Balopi’s request. At the same press conference in Gaborone, an emotional Brooks described his sacrifice, recounting how his 14-year-old daughter cried when he told her he would not be contesting. “Just as my daughter cried, my followers did the same,” he said. “I want to encourage them that I have not lost and that they should join me as I rally behind Kaartze as she leads BDP to victory.”
Brooks said despite everything else, for him BDP comes first.
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The compromise has not been universally welcomed. Critics within the party fear it may alienate Brooks’s supporters and sow further distrust.
The Bulela-Ditswe primaries have historically been a flashpoint for rival factions, and some view Balopi’s top-down approach as a dangerous precedent that could undermine grassroots democracy.
However, Balopi’s supporters see the move as a pre-emptive strike to prevent the kind of bitter infighting that has plagued the BDP in the past. They argue that a unified front is essential for the party to reclaim the constituency from the UDC, whose candidate, Chimbombi, won the 2024 election with 8,700 votes to Kaartze’s 6,070.
The success of this unity drive is seen as the first major test of Balopi’s leadership. Nonetheless the BDP’s ability to translate its leader’s message into tangible peace on the ground will be a defining challenge for the party’s future.
The by-election will also see the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) field a candidate, Tshepang Brooks, a cousin of Sam Brooks, adding another layer of complexity to the contest.At the time of going to print, UDC was yet to announce its candidate but according to Balopi, the date of the by-election is expected to be called anytime from now.
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