The 2009 congress in Kanye turned into a turbulent affair, leading to a split that gave rise to the formation of the Botswana Movement for Democracy by the Barataphathi faction, making the Gantsi event look like a walk in the park wheren Ponatshego Kedikilwe challenged Ian Khama for leadership of the organization.
Of the prominent Barata Phathi leaders, only Daniel Kwelagobe remains as chairman in the BDP central committee. Tebelelo Seretse who stood against Kwelagobe, will also not be contesting this time. Seretse is now Botswana's ambassador to the United States. It is not certain whether Kwelagobe will contest this time around. The BDP went to the 2009 congress a polarised organisation. The party was divided between the Barataphathi and A-team factions. Even if there are factions at the congress, Barataphathi will not be a deciding factor since most have left for the BMD. History is likely to list the 2009 congress as the most controversial ever, mostly on account of Ian Khama's actions.
