BPF power struggle deepens crisis
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 13, 2025 06:24
With the upcoming elective congress scheduled for next November, tensions are escalating, and the fight for control of the party leadership threatens to deepen existing divisions. To begin with, the regional congresses, which are critical preparatory stages for the main congress, have already been a source of contention and turmoil. For instance, over the past weekend in Serowe, the party experienced a significant setback when delegates from the Palapye constituency were disqualified for failing to adhere to the party’s stipulated procedures in electing their representatives. This violation of the BPF constitution has further fueled concerns about the party’s internal cohesion. The party’s organising secretary, Leapetswe Lesedi, confirmed the disqualification during an interview with this publication. According to Lesedi, the Palapye delegation’s inability to vote stemmed from their failure to follow the proper procedures in selecting delegates, which ultimately led to their exclusion from the regional congress. He explained: “It is true, the Palapye delegation could not vote as they had failed to follow party procedure to select their delegates. As a result, they could not be part of the regional congress.
Meanwhile, the Central region has been voted in.” This incident is emblematic of broader issues plaguing the BPF as it prepares for its elective congress. Moreover, it highlights the growing concern about party discipline and adherence to internal rules. These concerns were echoed by the party president, Mephato Reatile, during a recent party conference in Molepolole, where he openly criticized the rising indiscipline among members. Reatile expressed his disappointment by pointing out the numerous legal battles the party has faced since its inception in 2018, attributing many of these to internal conflicts rather than external opposition. He had said: “Our party has had many court cases, more than any other party formed in 2018. While some members do not want to obey decisions taken by the national executive committee, this behaviour undermines our unity and progress.” Furthermore, the tension within the party was made even more evident during the same conference weekend, which was supposed to be marked by peaceful elections for both the youth and women’s leagues. Unfortunately, some disgruntled members deliberately disrupted the process by destroying a ballot box, plunging the event into chaos and halting the democratic process. Following a swift investigation, the party found the culprits guilty of their actions. Not only did the members admit to their misconduct, but they also agreed to take responsibility by replacing the damaged property.
This incident, however, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of order within the BPF and the challenges its leadership faces in maintaining discipline. The upcoming elective congress, set for November this year, is seen as a pivotal moment that will determine the future leadership and direction of the BPF. Yet, instead of uniting the party, the leadership contest appears to be exacerbating existing fault lines, threatening to fragment the party even further. In addition to the procedural issues, the disputes reflect deeper struggles over power and influence within the BPF. As different factions vie for control, the risk of alienation among party members grows. This could potentially weaken the party’s cohesion and undermine its ability to present a united front in Botswana’s competitive political landscape. Moreover, the continuous reports of court cases involving party members point to unresolved grievances and a culture of defiance against the party’s established structures. Such a trend could damage the BPF’s public image, particularly among voters who expect political parties to demonstrate stability and internal discipline. On the other hand, some party insiders suggest that these conflicts might be a natural part of the party’s growth process. Since its formation in 2018, the BPF has been relatively young and still in the process of solidifying its identity and leadership structures.
Therefore, clashes and disputes, while regrettable, could be seen as growing pains that the party needs to overcome to mature and strengthen itself. Nonetheless, the leadership’s ability to address these challenges effectively will be crucial. If the party fails to manage internal dissent and enforce discipline, it risks fracturing irreparably, which could have long-term consequences for its political viability. Additionally, the recent disqualification of the Palapye delegates raises questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the party’s electoral processes. Some critics argue that such decisions, although based on constitutional provisions, might alienate important constituencies within the party if not handled transparently and sensitively. In contrast, supporters of the party leadership maintain that strict adherence to party rules is necessary to ensure credibility and fairness during the electoral process. They argue that allowing procedural violations to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and further erode the party’s internal governance. As the BPF moves closer to its elective congress, all eyes will be on how the party navigates these internal challenges. Will the party’s leadership be able to restore order, uphold discipline, and unite members behind a common vision? Or will these ongoing disputes lead to further fragmentation, weakening the party’s position in Botswana’s political arena?