BCP Ushers in New Leadership for 2029

The BCP has elected a new central committee to steer the party towards the 2029 General Elections, with Dumelang Saleshando retaining the presidency and Dr Unity Dow emerging as his deputy The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has ushered in a new central committee to steer the party towards the 2029 General Elections, with Dumelang Saleshando retaining the presidency and Dr Unity Dow emerging as his deputy. Saleshando was re-elected unopposed at the party’s July 2026 elective congress in Mogoditshane this week, while Dow defeated Taolo Lucas by 942 votes to 842 in the contest for the vice presidency. The new leadership takes charge with the task of repositioning the BCP ahead of the next general elections, following the party’s impressive participation in the political realignment that brought the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to power in 2024.

Sennye Obuseng was elected National Chairperson after securing 682 votes, defeating Caterpillar Hikuama, who polled 634, and Daisy Bathusi, who received 468. Goretetse Kekgonegile narrowly defeated Emmanuel Maite 891 votes to 877 to become Secretary General, while Tebogo Hildah Molefe was elected Deputy Secretary General with 903 votes against Refiloe Aphiri’s 864. Kaizer emerged as National Treasurer with 770 votes, defeating Manka Ethel Gampone and Obakeng Moumakwa, who polled 511 and 490 votes respectively.

Olebile Machete was elected Information and Publicity Secretary after receiving 907 votes, defeating Gregory G. Kelebonye, who secured 850 votes. The new leadership is expected to focus on strengthening the party’s structures, consolidating its support base and defining the BCP’s political direction as it prepares for the 2029 electoral contest.

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With Saleshando retaining the presidency and a new executive team now in place, the congress has effectively set the BCP on a three-year political journey towards its next major test at the ballot box. Closing the event, Saleshando described the elections as a reflection of the talent within the BCP and a demonstration of the party’s vibrant internal democracy.

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