BPF power struggles threaten internal democracy-Analysts
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday December 1, 2025 06:00
Their assessments suggest that unless all factions accept the outcomes of the elective congress, legal intervention may become the final avenue for resolving what has now grown into a highly publicised and emotionally charged dispute.
According to several observers, turmoil currently unfolding in the BPF is not merely a disagreement over leadership, but a test of the party’s institutional strength and its members’ commitment to internal democratic processes.
Political scientist Professor Zibani Maundeni, speaking to Mmegi on Tuesday this week, emphasised that the actions of certain members indicate a clear drift away from the party norms. He noted that continued meetings or actions taken in opposition to the newly elected leadership reflect the behaviour of a faction rather than loyal members working within the established structures.
“If one is genuinely a party member, then he/she should understand party processes to resolve a dispute. Again, party processes are the highest decision-making bodies. The consequences of going against the party leadership chosen by Congress that was not stopped are bad. Members should be aware of them,” he stressed.
He further explained that, historically, court battles have rarely been the ideal method for resolving political conflicts.
He said that while the court may produce a definitive ruling, it often comes at the cost of party cohesion and public credibility. “Court processes are not usually the best for solving political disputes,” he remarked, adding that experience shows that parties sometimes end up expelling members who revolt or defy their chosen leadership. He said, consequently, even though the courts remain an option, they tend to leave lasting cracks within an organisation and can deepen mistrust between opposing camps.
Nevertheless, Professor Maundeni expressed optimism that the situation within the BPF may still come to a resolution through the current leadership.
He stressed that there are always pathways to dialogue if members are willing to follow the rules that govern the party. The professor argued that if any individuals had legitimate concerns about the conduct of the electoral congress, they should have taken action much earlier.
“If one is against the electoral congress process, then they could have challenged it in court. Shockingly, they failed to do so if they believe they have a case against the party leadership,” he said. For him, the failure to challenge the Congress before its completion weakens the credibility of those now disputing its outcomes.
However, another political analyst, Dr Onalenna Selolwane, offered a broader interpretation of the conflict. She described the situation as a reflection of political self-interest rather than ideological disagreement. According to her, both factions appear to be using the party as a platform for power negotiations rather than prioritising the collective interests of the BPF membership or its voter base.
“It is sad that both teams want to use the party to bargain for power. Politicians are the same. All of them know that they could find good positions or bargain better with a party that has more members than an individual. It is not about the party but them. Their followers are in the dark,” she said.
Selolwane further pointed out that some individuals may be positioning themselves strategically for future political advantages.
For instance, she said some believe they may secure influential positions within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) if they command a strong support base. Others, on the other hand, appear convinced that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) could regain national favour, and thus see an opportunity to negotiate for a more receptive hearing or favourable placement within its structures.
This kind of manoeuvring, she suggested, has little to do with representing the interests of ordinary citizens or strengthening democratic institutions.
She added that the strategic value of the BPF, particularly its influence within the Serowe constituencies, makes it a highly desirable bargaining tool.
“They know that BPF controls Serowe constituencies and all parties will listen to them,” she said. Dr Selolwane said that with the current political situation in Botswana, parties may try to weaken or divide one another in a political game.