BPF defies odds, holds ground
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 19, 2026 09:46
Years later, the party continues to maintain a presence on the national political stage, even as several parties born under similar circumstances struggle to stay afloat. Currently, the BPF boasts five Members of Parliament and more than 20 councillors across the country. The BPF has split from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) as those members felt that the party leadership by then was ill-treating the former president Ian Khama.
This level of representation has set it apart from other relatively young political formations that have since lost momentum or fallen into obscurity. In contrast, some parties established around the same period, or emerging from internal splits, are facing severe organisational and political challenges.
Among them is the Botswana Republican Party (BRP), which was launched on November 14, 2023, following a split from the BPF itself. Despite high expectations at its inception, the BRP has struggled to gain traction on the ground.
Similarly, the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), once considered a formidable opposition force, continues to battle declining influence and internal fatigue. Against this backdrop, the BPF’s ability to endure has drawn attention, particularly given its own well-documented internal challenges. Although the party has experienced leadership disputes and factional tensions, it nonetheless managed to convene its elective congress last year.
While the outcome of that congress was contested by some members, it marked a significant milestone in keeping the party’s constitutional processes alive. Importantly, the BPF leadership insists that the party remains functional and forward-looking.
The party chairperson, Baratiwa Mathoothe, has confirmed that the BPF will proceed with its annual conference and other scheduled party activities this year. According to him, these activities are critical in revitalising party structures and restoring confidence among members and supporters.
“Like any political organisation, we do have internal issues,” Mathoothe acknowledged. “However, we are actively working to resolve them while, at the same time, rebuilding and strengthening our structures, especially in areas where the party is not yet visible.” Despite the turbulence, party members have largely remained loyal, resisting the temptation to abandon the movement altogether.
Observers note that this resilience has been key to the BPF’s survival, particularly in a political environment where breakaway parties often struggle to maintain unity after initial excitement fades. Moreover, the BPF has demonstrated notable strength in specific regions. The party continues to command support in constituencies such as Central, Nata/Gweta, and Shashe West constituencies, where it has either retained parliamentary seats or performed competitively in recent elections. These strongholds have provided the party with a foundation from which to regroup and plan for future electoral contests.
Political analysts argue that regional consolidation has been crucial for the BPF. While it may not yet enjoy nationwide dominance, its ability to entrench itself in key constituencies has ensured continued representation in Parliament and local councils. This, in turn, has allowed the party to remain part of national political discourse.
Nevertheless, the road ahead remains challenging. Like many political parties, the BPF is still grappling with post-election fatigue, dwindling resources, and the psychological toll of electoral disappointment. Campaigns demand significant financial and human capital, and recovery often takes time, especially for parties without access to state funding.
Even so, Mathoothe believes such hardships are not unique to the BPF. He notes that political parties across the spectrum experience similar struggles following elections, as members reassess strategies and rebuild morale. What matters, he argues, is the ability to learn from setbacks and refocus on organisational growth. However, the BPF has a special relationship with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) as both parties are cooperating at both the parliament and council levels.
That resulted in some of its Members of Parliament (MPs) being selected as cabinet ministers. Therefore, the BPF is part of the ruling government of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). As Botswana’s political landscape continues to evolve, the BPF’s survival offers an important case study in endurance and adaptation. While some people believe that its survival is mainly because it was sympathetic to former president Khama, who is also the chief of the Bangwato, hence it is very strong in central areas.
Another dynamic lately brought to the BPF is its youth political president, Lawrence Ookeditse, who has injected a fresh, youthful dynamic into the party, bringing renewed energy, modern ideas, and a leadership style that resonates strongly with young people, making the party more attractive and relevant to the youth. Many believe that he has brought youthful energy that makes the party appealing to the younger generation. For the first time, the party has built a youth structure at the University of Botswana, where he was once taught political administration. Ookeditse has studied political science at the University of Botswana.
Whether the party can translate its resilience into a broader national appeal remains to be seen. However, its continued presence, despite internal disputes, breakaways, and external competition, suggests that the BPF is far from political extinction.