New year, new plans

Political parties reposition for 2026 power battles The Year 2026 is here and political parties are repositioning themselves, some under new leadership while others will be going for their elective congress. The Voice stafferDANIEL CHIDAengages party spokespersons on their political roadmaps for the year ahead. As the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) enters the New Year, the party says its focus is on renewal, growth and disciplined organisation as a member of the governing coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

Secretary General and Acting Publicity and Information Secretary Mmantlha Sankoloba says 2026 marks an important phase in consolidating BCP’s role within the coalition while strengthening the party internally and expanding its national footprint. “A major highlight of the year will be the 65 Years Celebrations, members commemorating the party’s long-standing contribution to the political and democratic development of our country,” she said. “This milestone will honour our founders, veterans and loyal members while re-energising the party’s values, ideology and collective vision.

The party will officially launch its Five-Year Party Strategy, which will align BPP’s priorities with the broader UDC vision for governance, development and social justice.” As part of strengthening institutional capacity, Sankoloba says the party will open its Gaborone party office, to improve coordination and visibility, as well as nationwide membership drive targeting youth, women and working communities across urban and rural areas. The Alliance for Progressives (AP), says it is gearing up to intensify its nationwide mobilisation while strengthening party structures as part of its role in government. “Our current priority is a dual-focused strategy to ensure effective governance and clear public communication,” The party’s Secretary General Phenyo Butale says, further noting that the first phase includes capacity-building seminars aimed at equipping members and representatives with skills needed to manage state affairs, implement policy and deliver services competently. The second focus, he says, is transparent communication of government and party programmes.