Also known as: BCP
Botswana Congress Party — opposition party contesting elections and policy matters under President Dumelang Saleshando, recently won Sefhophe by-election with 800 votes.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Botswana Congress Party
Every mention in the Botswanan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Botswana Gazette
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 GAZETTE REPORTER The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has ushered in a new central committee t …
BCP Ushers in New Leadership for 2029Weekend Post
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) is heading into its most critical elective congress yet, with a fierce showdown between continuity and renewal threatening to test the party’s unity as it charts its path to power in 2029. …
BCP’s Make-or-Break Congress: Lucas, Dow clash over party’s futureDaily News Botswana
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) president Mr Dumelang Saleshando says the party’s elective congress comes at a time when the average Motswana’s purchasing power has been significantly eroded, making it imperative for the party to offer practical solutions to the country’s socio-eco …
BCP should offer practical solutionsDaily News Botswana
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. …
BCP set for elective congressMmegi
… In an interview on Thursday, BCP spokesperson, Greg Kelebonye said the responsibility for conducting and supervising this year's executive leadership elections rests with the party's electoral board."The mandate to conduct and supervise Botswana Congress Party executive leadershi …
BCP yet to decide on overseer ahead of crucial pollWeekend Post
A subtle but significant political shift is unfolding in Tswapong South as veteran Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Member of Parliament Dr. …
Maite rises amid Gobotswang’s shift toward national politicsMmegi
… The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) received 163 votes, representing 18.3%; its support declined by 120 votes. …
UDC increases 2024 Tati Siding victory marginDaily News Botswana
… The Botswana Democratic Party, Ms Kwenzakile Sibunga came second with 299 votes, followed by Ms Thobekile Nchenje of the Botswana Congress Party with 163 votes. …
UDC retains Tatisiding North wardMmegi
… When he left the public service, he fully participated in local politics through his political home, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).His first parliamentary contest was in Gaborone South in 2009; the second was in Selebi-Phikwe East in 2014; the third was in Selebi-Phikwe East …
Nkawana: BCP’s tactician and marksman, patient to the courseMmegi
… In the previous election, the UDC narrowly secured victory with 321 votes.Close on its heels, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) garnered 320 votes, while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) trailed slightly behind with 283 votes. …
Tight race ensues ahead of Tati Siding North by-electionThe Botswana Congress Party won a by-election in the Mmadinare constituency, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's dominance in the area since independence. The result reflects a significant political shift in the region, with implications for UDC coalition partners.
20 hours ago · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party won a by-election in the Mmadinare constituency, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's dominance in the area since independence. The result reflects a significant political shift in the region, with implications for UDC coalition partners.
20 hours ago · Mmegi →
In an interview at her home near Gaborone, prominent activist Dow reflects on her involvement in the legal case that made her name known internationally, her decision to contest for BCP vice president, and her tendency to step into every space where she believes she can contribute, saying "I am unable not to get involved if I believe I have an opinion or something to contribute."
22 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party has challenged PEEPA's involvement in recruiting Land Board members, warning that appointments made outside the prescribed procedure could expose land allocations to court challenges.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Botswana Congress Party president Dumelang Saleshando has demanded answers from the police commissioner over the arrest and interrogation of two party activists, accusing police of selectively targeting government critics while overlooking online attacks on opposition leaders.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The BCP secured 800 votes against the UDC's 705 in the Sefhophe by-election, winning barely two years after the UDC's historic 2024 election victory. The loss is attributed partly to voters' frustration with economic hardship and rising living costs, compounded by President Boko's earlier assertion that election promises do not constitute legally binding contracts.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The BDP, which dominated Botswana's politics for nearly six decades, is now recognising the need for collective action against the ruling UDC following a weak performance in the Sefhophe by-election, where it secured 291 votes compared to BCP's 800 and UDC's 705.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party Youth League suspended Saleshando for making declarations about student structures without following established party procedures, including announcing the formation of the BCP Student Command as a separate entity and calling for the dissolution of existing Youth League leadership. The BCPYL said the statements were published on social media before internal consultation, risking the League's authority and cohesion.
20 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Sefhophe by-election has brought heightened political activity to the village, with the UDC, BDP, BCP, and BPF all contesting and attracting supporters and visitors. The increased campaign presence has boosted local traffic, accommodation demand, and business spending, while some residents have noted improvements in government services.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party has questioned President Duma Boko's reported decision to extend Directorate of Intelligence and Security Director General Brigadier (Rtd) Peter Magosi's contract, noting tension with the UDC's previous calls for intelligence reform.
8 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Congress Party has criticised the UDC government over the arrest and interrogation by the Criminal Investigation Department of its activists Obakeng Sethibe and Rachel Tlharesagae over Facebook comments, saying it casts doubt on the government's commitment to freedom of expression.
7 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Two BCP members, Obakeng Sethibe and Rachel Kgase, were questioned by police over comments allegedly made on Facebook under the Gosee Kone pseudonym. BCP spokesperson Olebile Machete confirmed the questioning but denied party connection to the account, describing the police action as politically motivated.
6 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party's Shadow Minister of Lands and Agriculture says government surveillance data shows disease-free zones remain under blanket movement restrictions despite no FMD detection, and questions why farmers in these areas cannot resume livestock trade.
5 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The UDC coalition faces internal debate over whether to continue a special arrangement for direct members in the 2029 election, an arrangement that emerged after the BCP's withdrawal and allowed four expelled BCP legislators to contest the 2024 elections under the UDC banner without joining affiliate parties.
28 September 2026 · Mmegi →
Botswana Congress Party Vice President Unity Dow says the cattle industry faces an "existential threat" due to government restrictions on live cattle exports, financial problems at the state-owned Botswana Meat Commission, and foot-and-mouth disease.
28 September 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Chebani, known in Francistown and Nshakazhogwe, has moved from the Botswana Congress Party to the BNF, an affiliate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change. He cited widespread corruption allegations associated with the BDP as his reason for departing, though he noted that only a section of ministers and public servants were involved in alleged wrongdoing.
25 September 2026 · Mmegi →
Following the launch of a flagship Moti project in Gaborone Block 7, the opposition Botswana Congress Party has accused government of arranging what it describes as state capture, saying the deal will saddle the country with more than P20 billion in long-term obligations for a project it estimates should cost about P3.6 billion.
8 September 2026 · Mmegi →
National Assembly Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse and Botswana Congress Party Vice President Unity Dow have questioned whether executions deter violent crime and whether the state should continue taking the lives of convicted offenders, calling for an "honest conversation" about capital punishment's purpose.
7 September 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The Botswana Congress Party has selected a former councillor, Bagwasi, as its candidate to represent Sefophe at national level. The BCP spokesperson noted that Bagwasi previously sought the parliamentary seat in 2019 and views his political history as valuable as the party seeks to rebuild support in the area.
7 September 2026 · Mmegi →
Salakae, a senior BNF Member of Parliament and longstanding party activist since his youth, has remained loyal to the party through its turbulent periods, including the historical split with the Botswana Congress Party and recent internal turmoil.
21 August 2026 · Mmegi →
MPs rejected a proposal by Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando for transparent ballot boxes and decentralized vote counting, prompting the Botswana Congress Party to stage a walkout. Saleshando has argued that such changes are essential to boost public trust in the election process and minimize disputes during counting.
18 August 2026 · Weekend Post →
Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando and Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse have clashed over a proposed Bill to scrap constituency allowances for the President, Speaker, and Specially Elected MPs.
27 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Dr. Unity Dow, a former High Court judge and human rights advocate, was elected Vice President of the Botswana Congress Party at its elective congress in Mogoditshane during the President's Holidays in 2026, defeating Taolo Lucas by 100 votes (942 to 842). The close result and factional divisions within the party underscore ongoing tensions between competing leadership camps.
27 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
The Botswana Congress Party has passed the hurdle of holding internal elections, described as a rite of passage for the party. The article indicates early signs are positive, though it is too early to assess whether things will ultimately work out well for the BCP.
27 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Dumelang Saleshando, president of the Botswana Congress Party, has asserted his readiness and capability to lead the party into the 2029 General Election, putting to rest doubts about his health.
27 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
The BCP internal election was contested by two campaign groups, with Dow defeating Lucas for vice presidency (942 to 842 votes) and Kekgonegile retaining secretary general (891 to 877 votes). Although Dow won the vice presidency, candidates aligned with Taolo's team won the majority of positions, with members voting based on individual candidates rather than along strict team lines.
27 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party has elected a new central committee ahead of the 2029 General Elections, with Dumelang Saleshando retaining the presidency and Dr Unity Dow as his deputy.
26 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Congress Party faces its most critical elective congress yet, with a showdown between continuity and renewal threatening to test party unity as it plans for 2029.
22 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
BCP president Dumelang Saleshando opened the party's elective congress, emphasising that it occurs amid significant erosion of purchasing power and calls for practical solutions to socio-economic challenges including rising cost of living, unemployment, and declining household incomes. The congress drew regional political delegates and opposition leaders from across Southern Africa.
20 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana's main opposition party, the BCP, is holding a conference in Mogoditshane to elect new national leadership amid unprecedented internal divisions. The party's traditionally calm electoral culture has eroded, with rival campaign teams and public attacks escalating despite senior leaders' appeals for issue-based campaigns.
17 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The main opposition party's conference in Mogoditshane will elect new national leadership amid deep internal divisions and open factional contests. The party has abandoned its tradition of calm internal elections, with rival camps publicly campaigning and intensifying rhetoric as candidates compete for positions including vice president.
17 July 2026 · Mmegi →