Botswana Patriotic Front

The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is a populist and conservative liberal political party in Botswana formed in July 2019 by members of the Botswana Democratic Party who split from the party because of a high profile rivalry between former President Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Botswana Patriotic Front
LeaderBiggie Butale
ChairpersonOboetswe Gabotlale
General SecretaryTshekedi Khama
FoundedJuly 2019
Split fromBotswana Democratic Party
IdeologySocial liberalism[1]
Conservative liberalism[2]
Political positionCentre to centre-right[1]
National affiliationUmbrella for Democratic Change
National Assembly
4 / 65
[3]
Pan African Parliament
0 / 5
Election symbol
Website
www.bpf-party.co.bw
Politics of Botswana
Constitution
Government
Parliament
Judiciary
Administrative divisions
Elections
Foreign relations

History

The party was officially launched in July 2019 as a split from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).[4] It was backed by former President and BDP leader Ian Khama after he left the party.[5]

In the October 2019 general elections, the party received 4.3% of the vote and won three seats, all in Khama's home area of Central District – Tshekedi Khama II elected in Serowe West, Leepetswe Lesedi in Serowe South and Baratiwa Mathoothe in Serowe North. However, party leader Biggie Butale failed to be elected in Tati West.[6]

The party suspended public activities in January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

Election results

National Assembly
Election Leader Votes % Seats +/– Position Status
2019 Biggie Butale 34,028 4.41%
3 / 63
 New Increase 3rd Opposition

References
  1. Botswana Africa Elects
  2. "About BPF – BPF". Retrieved 12 January 2023. On the ideological frame, we straddle conservatism and liberalism. We are a party that believes in a blend of conservatism and liberalism, a more liberal form of compassionate conservatism.
  3. "Structures – BPF". Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  4. Botswana Patriotic Front ready for official launch Daily News, 3 July 2019
  5. Thobo Motlhoka, "Khama officially quits BDP as new party is confirmed", Sunday Standard, 26 May 2019. Archived 5 September 2019 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. Nthakoana Ngatane, "Botswana Patriotic Front president loses constituency", EWN, 24 October 2019.
  7. Tsaone Basimanebotlhe, "BPF, BDP suspend activities", Mmegi Online, 26 January 2021.
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