Khama: Mogae's plan has gone awry

Factional politics is not a new phenomenon in the BDP. Whilst some trace it to the era of the second president, Sir Ketumile Masire's tenure, some think it is as old as the party itself. The only difference is how the first to the third former presidents managed the explosive factional fights that they prevented a split in the party that has been in power since September 30, 1966. The former presidents can only be credited for containing factionalism so much that it did not spill out of control.

But last week it became apparent that Barata-Phathi's patience had run out to the extent that the long mooted notion of forming an alternative party was no longer a bargaining chip but a reality. And for now, it's only a matter of time before the BDP splinter party is formed and duly registered to face the BDP.