BPF throws spanner in the works in Kgalagadi South

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday October 29, 2025 06:00

This development has raised eyebrows within political circles, as it contradicts earlier perceptions that, despite the BPF’s withdrawal from the UDC coalition, the two parties still maintained a cordial working relationship.

In the months following the split, some BPF Members of Parliament had publicly expressed their support for the ruling party during parliamentary sessions, a move that left many questioning where the party’s loyalties truly lay. The situation became even more complex when President Advocate Duma Boko’s administration appointed some BPF members to Cabinet positions, an act that many interpreted as a sign of political cooperation between the ruling UDC and the BPF. However, BPF president, Mephato Reatile, confirmed last week that they do not have any arrangement with the UDC outside Parliament and council.

Now, recent developments suggest a shift in strategy. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that the BPF will contest against both the UDC in the Kgalagadi South by-election, effectively putting an end to speculation that the party might avoid direct competition with the UDC.

IEC spokesperson Phatodi Nacane confirmed the full list of nominated candidates in an interview with The Monitor this week.

“Five names have been submitted to contest in the upcoming by-elections for Kgalagadi South Constituency,” Nacane revealed.

“The nominated candidate for the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) is Tshephang David Brooks, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has nominated Diana Memory Kaartze, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has nominated Joseph Tokyo Modise, whilst the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has nominated Phenyo Archie Sedimonyane. There is also one independent candidate, Kealeboga Kaveri Kapeko,' Nacane confirmed.

The by-election was necessitated by the passing of former Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Micus Chimbombi, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South. Dr Chimbombi’s death left a political vacuum in the constituency, prompting the upcoming by-election to fill the seat.

Political analysts say the Kgalagadi South by-election will serve as a litmus test for the strength and direction of the BPF following its breakaway from the UDC coalition. It will also test the UDC’s ability to retain support in constituencies it previously held.

As campaigns intensify, all eyes will be on how the BPF positions itself against its former allies and whether the contest will reshape existing political alliances ahead of future national elections.