The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is steadily expanding its influence as it gears up for the crucial general elections on October 30, 2024. This week, BPF President Mephato Reatile proudly welcomed new members, including Resego Thamage, councillor for Moselewapula ward, and notable figures Kemmonye Sekati and Ookeditse Malesu.
Reatile highlighted the party’s growing momentum, attributing it to a well-structured strategy and unwavering resolve to clinch victory in the 2024 elections. He disclosed that the party will reveal its presidential candidate on September 28, 2024.
“The BPF has been actively engaging both new members and potential defectors, including two prominent Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ministers, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti and Molebatsi Molebatsi, though no formal decisions have been made regarding their defection. Whether they join us or not is immaterial; what we would appreciate is for BDP to lose members,” Reatile remarked.
This development follows the recent resignation of Kemmonye Sekati, former Mahalapye Secretary of the BDP, who departed from the party last weekend. Upon joining the BPF, Sekati compared the BDP to a sinking ship, urging others to abandon it before it’s too late. He cited multiple grievances, including Matsheka’s arrest and irregularities in the BDP’s primary elections, as catalysts for his defection.
Sekati denounced the BDP’s internal election processes, pointing out instances where longstanding party members were excluded from voter rolls and elections were conducted in unsuitable conditions, breaching the BDP’s own constitution. He asserted that his resignation echoes a silent discontent among many members who lack a platform to express their concerns.
Similarly, Ookeditse Malesu voiced his disillusionment with the current state of the BDP, asserting that it no longer represents the ideals he once supported under former president Ian Khama. “We want to be the voice of Batswana,” Malesu stated, emphasizing that the BPF is made up of “people’s people,” those grounded in the concerns of ordinary citizens rather than academic elites.
Former President Ian Khama to Actively Campaign for BPF in 2024
Former President Ian Khama will play a pivotal role in the BPF’s campaign for the 2024 elections, dispelling any speculation about his involvement. Reatile clarified that while Khama may return to his traditional role as Kgosikgolo of the BaNgwato post-elections, he will be fully engaged in the BPF’s campaign efforts.
BPF Manifesto Unveiled
At a press briefing, BPF Chairman Carter Morupisi spotlighted the party’s dedication to tackling key national issues in its forthcoming manifesto. “We will be offering solutions for job creation, poverty alleviation, inequality, and improved social safety nets,” Morupisi announced. He also indicated that the manifesto would propose reforms to the Electoral Act and emphasize a complete separation of powers between the executive, judiciary, and legislature.
The BPF aims to grant Ntlo Ya Dikgosi an independent role, free from political interference, and will initiate a people-centered review of the constitution, inviting input from all citizens. Additionally, the party plans to conduct a forensic financial audit of the nation’s finances, ensuring that Botswana’s natural resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of the entire populace.
As Botswana embarks on its next National Development Plan (NDP 12) and the 2025/2026 financial year, Morupisi stressed the importance of a long-term vision. Speaking at the same event, President Reatile confirmed that the BPF had already fielded 45 parliamentary candidates nationwide, with recommendations from the electoral appeals committee set to be implemented by the National Executive Committee soon.
