Campaigns heat up ahead of BPF Congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 20, 2025 06:00
The BPF is scheduled to hold its long-awaited elective congress next month in Serowe, where the national leadership will be elected. The congress comes at a time when the party remains deeply divided over both leadership and political alliances. According to reliable information obtained by Mmegi, those expected to battle it out for the party presidency include the current BPF president, Mephato Reatile, and Lawrence Ookeditse, who currently serves as the party’s Secretary-General.
The contest between the two is expected to be one of the most watched in the party’s history, as both men are influential and command considerable support amongst members.
The party’s internal campaigns have already intensified, with various factions lobbying for their preferred candidates.
This has led to speculation amongst observers about whether the congress will proceed peacefully, given the BPF’s history of disputes and internal wrangling.
Previous congresses have often been marred by tensions, factionalism, and legal battles, raising fears that this year’s congress could follow a similar path.
In a formal communication dated this week, Secretary for the Directorate on Elections, Oteng Eleck, confirmed the details of the upcoming congress and outlined the requirements for aspiring candidates.
The letter, addressed to all party structures, reads in part: “Following a decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC), this serves to formally inform all party structures that the upcoming Party Congress will be held on November 1, 2025, in Serowe. Members who wish to contest for positions in the National Executive Committee (NEC) are required to submit their written expressions of interest to the Directorate on Elections no later than 21 October 2025.”
Eleck further emphasised that no expressions of interest will be accepted after the deadline, explaining that the submission timeline was designed to allow enough time for logistical arrangements, including the preparation and printing of voting materials.
He added that it also enables the elections directorate to provide timely feedback to those whose eligibility might be in question, ensuring fairness and transparency before the congress.
“All submissions should be directed to the Secretary of the Directorate on Elections,” the letter continues.
“Party structures are urged to share this communication widely and to ensure that all interested members adhere strictly to the stated timelines.” Despite these preparations, questions remain about whether the BPF can deliver a peaceful and credible congress. Since its formation, the party has struggled with internal divisions and leadership disputes, often resulting in court cases.
In fact, the BPF is regarded as one of the political parties in Botswana that has recorded the highest number of internal legal battles since its inception.
Currently, the party is sharply divided over its strategy for political affiliation. One faction supports continued cooperation with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), under which the BPF contested in the 2024 general elections.
The other faction, however, is pushing for closer ties or even formal cooperation with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), a stance that has deepened the rift within the party.
At present, the BPF remains in a working relationship with the UDC in Parliament. Some of its Members of Parliament even serve as Assistant Ministers in the UDC-led government, a development that has further complicated the party’s internal debates about its political direction.
Those supporting continued cooperation with the UDC argue that the alliance has given the BPF political relevance and access to influence in government.
Meanwhile, those leaning towards the BDP believe that collaboration with the ruling party could help stabilize the BPF and position it strategically for future elections.
As the November congress approaches, all eyes are on Serowe. The gathering will not only determine the next leadership team but will also shape the future of the BPF’s political alliances and its identity within Botswana’s opposition landscape.
Whether Congress will mark a turning point towards unity or deepen the divisions that have long haunted the party remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: the BPF’s elective congress is shaping up to be a crucial test of the party’s maturity, unity, and democratic integrity.