Summary
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is a populist political party in Botswana formed in July 2019 by members of the Botswana Democratic Party who split from the party because of a high-profile rivalry between former President Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Botswana Patriotic Front | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Mephato Reatile |
| Chairperson | Oboetswe Gabotlale |
| General Secretary | Tshekedi Khama |
| Founded | July 2019 |
| Split from | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Ideology | Pro-Ian Khama[1] Populism[2] |
| Political position | Big tent |
| National affiliation | None Formerly: Umbrella for Democratic Change (2022-2024) |
| National Assembly | 4 / 57 |
| Pan African Parliament | 0 / 5 |
| Election symbol | |
 | |
| Website | |
| www | |
History edit
The party was officially launched in July 2019 as a split from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).[3] It was backed by former president and BDP leader Ian Khama after he left the party.[1]
In the October 2019 general elections, the party received 4.3% of the vote and won three seats, all in Khama's home area of Central District – Tshekedi Khama II elected in Serowe West, Leepetswe Lesedi in Serowe South and Baratiwa Mathoothe in Serowe North. However, party leader Biggie Butale failed to be elected in Tati West.[4]
On 6 August 2022, the BPF joined the Umbrella for Democratic Change alliance, at that time, uniting all opposition parties in the National Assembly except the Alliance for Progressives.[5] However, during a party retreat on the 6th of April 2024, the party left the alliance, opting for a "pact model" instead of running under the UDC symbol ahead of the 2024 elections.[6]
Election results edit
National Assembly edit
| Election | Leader | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Biggie Butale | 34,028 | 4.41% | 3 / 57
|
New |  3rd
|
Opposition |
Election symbol edit
The Botswana Patriotic Front uses a clock with its arms pointing at 4 o'clock as its logo or election symbol. The clock is accompanied by the words Ke Nako, meaning "it is time" in Setswana.[7]
References edit
- ^ a b "Khama officially quits BDP as new party is confirmed". Sunday Standard. 26 May 2019. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
- ^ Ntshingane, Bakang (16 August 2019). "Is populism surging into Botswana politics?". Mmegi. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ "Botswana Patriotic Front ready for official launch". Daily News. 3 July 2019. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
- ^ "Botswana Patriotic Front president loses constituency". EWN. 24 October 2019.
- ^ ""BPF is a member of UDC" – Mohwasa". Botswana Gazette. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ "BPF has decided to use own symbol come October elections". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "BPF – Ke Nako". Botswana Patriotic Party. Retrieved 22 December 2023.