BPF, AP finally join UDC

The new partnership brings to four the number of opposition parties that make up a united front against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). This comes after the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) left the coalition recently. The other parties are the Botswana National Front (BNF) and the Botswana People's Party (BPP).

The BCP’s withdrawal from the UDC last year was the culmination of a protracted acrimonious relationship between the Dumelang Saleshando-led party and the UDC over the leadership of the latter. Until then, the BCP and the BNF were the two major players in the UDC stable, while the BPP commanded less influence. Since the BCP formation in 1998, as a breakaway party from the BNF, the two parties have always enjoyed a love-hate relationship. Confirming the latest developments, the BPF and AP's spokespersons, Lawrence Ookeditse and Phenyo Butale respectively said their parties share a common goal of defeating the BDP at the October general election.