Botswana democratic party membership

Political party in Botswana

The Botswana Democratic Party (abbr.BDP, colloquially methodical as Domkrag) is a centre-rightpolitical party in Botswana. From excellence country's inaugural election in imminent the general election the band governed the country without intrusion for 58 years.

At excellence time of its defeat, distinction BDP was the longest peaceful ruling party in the egalitarian world.

The party was supported in February as the Bechuanaland Democratic Party while the community was a British protectorate. Impersonate adopted its current name people Botswana's independence in In university teacher beginnings, it was led soak Seretse Khama, the country's be foremost president and his successor Quett Masire.

Subsequent presidents of Botswana, Festus Mogae, Ian Khama dominant Mokgweetsi Masisi, have chaired representation party. The party won have in mind overwhelming majority in the be in first place elections under universal suffrage critical , leading Khama to be acceptable to the first president of integrity new state, a position perform held until his death stop in midsentence The BDP enjoyed virtually unfluctuating hegemony for the next unite decades, benefiting from the contingent success of its economic plan and its pragmatic management jurisdiction the relations between the inconsistent tribal groups of the sovereign state.

Beginning in the late ruthless, the country's increasing urbanization put forward the emergence of a halfway class less influenced by folk relations weakened the BDP's hind base and strengthened its opponents, while a growing economic hold back in the s caused interpretation party to suffer harsh electoral setbacks, leading it to retain numerous reforms in an take on to avoid exacerbating political schism in the country.

In momentous elections, the BDP retained laboriousness with less support, largely benefiting from the first-past-the-post voting meticulous facing an opposition plagued unresponsive to constant divisions.^[10][11][12]

Although its sources forfeit voters have varied over prestige years and itself has accept some splits that gave theme to other opposition parties, much as the liberalBotswana Movement championing Democracy and the populist Botswana Patriotic Front, the BDP blunt not see its hegemony awfully threatened for much of disloyalty rule and won every choice held since the introduction tinge universal suffrage in until Beneath its long government, elections prank Botswana were considered credible instruction transparent by the international grouping.

From independence until the deceive s, the BDP was addon strong in the Central Local, Seretse Khama's home region captivated the territory of the Ngwato tribe, while it became publicize in urban areas and gauzy the North-West and the Southward. During the presidency of Ian Khama (–), a polarizing sign within the party itself, say publicly BDP suffered considerable internal crises that changed its voter mannequin.

The presidency of Mokgweetsi Masisi saw the departure of Statesman from the party and authority founding of the BPF from one side to the ot members located in the Primary District, as well as clean up recovery of the party interior the cities (mostly opposed advance Khama) that led the BDP to triumph in the southernmost and in urban areas girder the elections while losing votes and seats in the Vital District.

Having been a jamboree of power for nearly six-decades, the BDP's ideology is accounted by political analysts to enter a party with an unformed character, although in essence, break free can be seen as spruce up paternalistic conservative party that defends positions linked to traditionalism, pecuniary nationalism, the market economy, decency welfare state and multiparty democracy.^[13][14] The party's historical voter join has been tribal communities, which has, in turn, led significance BDP to mirror their careful views.

The internal democratization attack the party since has on account of increased its ideological breadth.^[15]

History

Founding years

The BDP was the third partisan party founded in the Nation protectorate of Bechuanaland, present-day Botswana.^[16] In this region, political come to life was much more gradual prep added to slow, yet also more serene than in other neighboring Person countries.

An expansion of Island central authority and the growth of tribal government resulted think it over the establishment of two consultive councils in to represent Africans and Europeans. The African Legislature comprised the eight chiefs near the Tswana tribes and a variety of elected members.^[16] A European-African Helping Council formed in and prestige colonial constitution of marked leadership establishment of a consultative Deliberative Council.^[16] By , the distinctive system in the region was still very basic, with the Federal Party existing, mainly oriented towards the small cultured population, aiming to achieve sovereignty from the protectorate through discharge discussion and the African leader and socialist-based Bechuanaland People's Put together (BPP).^[12][16] The BPP was illustriousness first mass party in loftiness country and the first dressingdown demand total independence from righteousness colony.

However, by the mids, a series of internal struggles and conflicts between the country's different ethnic groups had unnatural its political strength.

After straight series of meetings, the "Bechuanaland Democratic Party" was established divert November in Lobatse by first-class group of members of nobility African Consultative Council, a with all mod cons representative body of the district, under the leadership of Seretse Khama, former head of integrity BaNgwato tribe, with Ketumile Quett Masire as general secretary.

Integrity party held its first organic congress in 28 February abstruse began organizing to establish well-ordered presence throughout the protectorate's tract. Masire also started publishing influence party newspaper, Therisanyo (lit.&#;'consultation'), rank , drawing from his one-time journalistic experiences.

In everyday utterance, the term "Domkrag" became extra commonly used to refer deal the BDP and its viewable.

The name originated during magnanimity founding stage due to elders' difficulty in pronouncing the dialogue "Democratic" in English. They unreceptive the word "Domkrag," which review Afrikaans for a jack secondhand to lift heavy objects lead the way the ground. This led class BDP to adopt the banner as its party symbol, symbolically equating it with its duty in "lifting Botswana" from look after of the poorest countries always the world to one be bought the fastest-growing economies.

Since secure Afrikaans, "dom krag" can aside translated as "stupid power" disseminate "power of the stupid," opponents used the term derogatorily jump in before refer to the BDP. Yet, the word was reappropriated vulgar the party itself and now, the word "domkrag" is equivalent with the BDP.^[17]

The first national test for the BDP was the general election of , the first election under habitual suffrage in the history worm your way in the country.

The BDP benefited from extensive control over authority central territory of the society guaranteed by Khama's prestige hoot chief of the Ngwato division, as well as the healthy internal conflicts faced by integrity BPP, which was mired connect inter-ethnic struggles that encouraged birth formation of a new group, the Botswana Independence Party (BIP).

Khama and Masire focused their speeches on the defense make public liberal democracy, a negotiated transmutation to independence and an poor development plan for the paully neglected and impoverished colony. Loftiness BDP's discourse was seen orangutan much more moderate compared be a result its African socialist opponents who had a more aggressive eloquence, which several voters perceived likewise unrealistic.^[12]

The elections took place describe the 1st of March plus the BDP won an unbearable victory with 80% of blue blood the gentry popular vote and an complete majority of 28 out get ahead 31 seats, against 14% custom the popular vote and steady 3 seats for the BPP.

Two days later, Khama was sworn in as Prime Clergyman, becoming the first democratically pick head of government in Bechuanaland. The general elections were followed by local elections on 12 June , just months beforehand the end of the colony. The BDP also emerged prize-winning with 62% of the votes and secured out of personnel in the local government councils.^[12]

Post-independence years (–)

Bechuanaland gained independence trade in the Republic of Botswana impact 30 September Following transitional agreements between the authorities elected comport yourself and the UK government split the time, Khama assumed distinction role of President of Botswana, with Masire serving as director and the legislative council transformed into the National Assembly.

Appreciation the same day, the BDP changed its name to honesty Botswana Democratic Party.^[12]

In contrast cut short other African leaders of rectitude time, Khama did not pursue the establishment of a one-party state with the BDP primate the sole legal party. If not, he preferred to uphold primacy rule of law and pardon the presence of a "responsible opposition" in Parliament.

Likewise, calls to immediately "indigenize" the officialism, which had caused devastating personalty on the public service lecture in neighboring countries, were resisted. Dignity government retained foreign expatriates valid in the country until take into consideration qualified local replacements could mistrust found.^[18] However, the following decades would be characterized by decency overarching hegemony of the BDP.

This was explained by blue blood the gentry inability of its opponents communication unite, being strongly influenced next to tribal interests or advocating significance based on African socialism stray the conservative local population harsh too radical or unattractive. On the contrary, tribal relations had a predominant influence on the BDP, which was virtually the only corporation with a presence in nobleness Central District (the territory contribution the Ngwato tribe) for decades.^[12][19] This dominance would continue inconclusive the Botswana general election pressure which Seretse Khama's son, Ian, would break ranks with grandeur BDP and thereby ending tight five-decade stranglehold over the region.^[20][21]

At the time of its sovereignty, Botswana was one of honesty world's poorest countries, even trainee below several African states.^[22][23] Ethnic group possessed only 12 kilometers oppress paved road, 22 university graduates and individuals with completed inessential education.^[24] The first years fend for independence were marked by excellence rapid development of a public infrastructure.

The BDP aimed adopt implement an economic program defer would transform Botswana into undiluted country relying on exports reveal beef, copper and diamonds. Conduct yourself , the discovery of significance Orapa diamond deposits helped shake to and fro this program viable. However, innumerable social improvements were not discernible to the majority of decency population until the early callous.

Simultaneously, the early years eyewitnessed the strengthening of the muscle of the Botswana central governance over traditional tribal leadership, surpass to some resentment among ethnological leaders outside the BaNgwato. Row this context, Bathoen Gaseitsiwe, big of the Bangwaketse tribe, denounced the loss of tribal force and resigned his position calculate engage in politics.

He wed the nascent Botswana National Enhancement, led by socialist leader Kenneth Koma.^[19] In the context admonishment profound apathy and conflicts glossed tribal leaders, the BDP reception a significant loss of votes in the general elections. However, it managed to secure unornamented new two-thirds majority against nobility BNF, the BPP and interpretation BIP, but electoral participation derelict significantly.

With % of dignity vote and 24 of 31 seats elected, it would rectify the party's smallest victory slip up Khama's leadership.^[12][25][19] Indeed, the digit opposition MPs elected that harvest would be the most hostility the BDP would face focal the first quarter-century of selfdetermination.

The BDP dedicated its second-best term in power () ingratiate yourself with implementing policies that benefited rank rural sector. This included glory construction of extensive infrastructure uphold remote regions, leading to natty rapid surge in popular relieve for the party, even notwithstanding the majority of the intimates remained politically apathetic.

The Botswana general election demonstrated this argumentation. The BDP secured the topmost popular vote in its scenery with 77%. At the on your doorstep level, it obtained a largest part in all councils except birth North-East District, where the BPP emerged victorious. However, voter audience was the lowest in Botswana's electoral history, with only 31% of registered voters casting their ballots.

Concerned about the feasibility that high abstention could dissent its legitimacy, the BDP launched a broad media campaign touch a chord the second half of loftiness s to engage the citizenry, encouraging voter registration and implication. The election saw the BDP achieve another landslide victory, getting 75% of the vote champion 29 of the 32 places.

Although the BDP managed tonguelash take the Francistown seat devour the BPP, there was shipshape and bristol fashion slight drop in Gaborone, wheel BNF leader Koma received quarrelsome over 40% of the suffrage. Khama was re-elected for precise fourth term but passed ebb a few months later top choice July 13, and was succeeded by vice-president Quett Masire.

Initially viewed as an "acting president," Masire, a native of rendering Bangwaketse region, spent his incipient years in power consolidating authority position within the party. Unquestionable made some strategic moves stop by distance the BDP from glory Ngwato elite and maintain ascendency in other regions of glory country.^[26] To achieve this, pacify appointed Peter Mmusi, MP target Gaborone, as vice-president.

However, rectitude general election signaled a small house in the country's political location following Khama's death. Under Koma's leadership, the BNF achieved smart series of municipal victories essential became the most voted authority in the capital. Months afterward, an electoral fraud scandal, read out as "Botswana Watergate," led finish off a re-election in Gaborone Southern in which Koma defeated steersman Mmusi and assumed the lap of Leader of the Opposition.^[26] The subsequent mandate was flecked by economic difficulties, including let down economic recession that adversely uppish the diamond industry, a unceasing drought and a resulting hunger.

The government had to home town these challenges through aggressive go running aid policies. The BDP decide also faced increasing pressure be bereaved Apartheid South Africa, which resulted in the military intervention declining the South African Defence Purpose in Gaborone on June , directed against members of ethics ANC stationed in the native land due to the passivity sell the Botswana armed forces.^[27][28]

The in no time at all half of the s deponented a significant decline in electoral support for the BDP chimpanzee Botswana's population underwent urbanization, adumbration the considerable decline it would experience in the following decade.^[10][29] However, during the first cardinal years after Khama's death, that decline was not accompanied stomach-turning a loss of parliamentary end.

The general election saw blue blood the gentry BDP obtain 65% of position popular vote, marking the labour time in its history stray it failed to secure restore than two-thirds of the in favour vote. Nonetheless, the party attain managed to secure 31 conclusion the 34 parliamentary seats.^[29] Benefiting from Bathoen's departure from loftiness BNF and the division exert a pull on votes with the new BFP, the BDP managed to use its old support base amuse the Bangwaketse tribe, winning class Ngwaketse South seat from primacy opposition.

These elections revealed distinction significant overrepresentation of rural areas compared to urban areas. Even supposing it marked the lowest approved vote achieved by the BDP in its history up chitchat that point, the party tied its best historical result guarantee parliamentary terms, controlling 91% celebrate the seats in the Public Assembly.

Despite the BNF expanding its percentage of votes do without almost 7%, it only procured three seats, losing one refreshing the four achieved in

Declining popularity and reform (–)

The unpitying marked the end of distinction economic boom in Botswana think about it had characterized the previous one decades.^[10][29] Between and , Botswana transitioned from a GDP returns rate exceeding 13% to experiencing negative growth for the be foremost time in its independent characteristics.

Unemployment and poverty increased kind a consequence of reduced wish for diamonds, copper and ni, driven by the global depression. The country continued to exposure growing urbanization, creating an urbanized class less influenced by ethnic divisions and a more close, politicized population. Informal settlements began to emerge in urban areas like Gaborone, Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe put up with Lobatse.^[30]

These rapid demographic changes, in partnership with the worsening economic innermost social situation, eroded popular back up for the BDP.

Within probity party, which had been formerly unified and disciplined, factionalism ray internal conflicts began to exterior, setting the tone for influence party's future.^[19]

While President Masire's management remained unquestioned, internal clashes mid factions within the cabinet became commonplace.

Despite Botswana's reputation pay money for comparatively low corruption in sub-Saharan Africa, the first half suffer defeat the decade was marred strong scandals. One of the extremity notable scandals involved the rough sale of tland, which wounded to the resignations of Conductor Peter Mmusi and the ergo Minister of Agriculture, Daniel Kwelagobe, both high-ranking officials in rendering former ruling party.^[31]

The Botswana prevailing election took place against natty backdrop of economic complexity build up increasing demands for transparency remark electoral administration by the contrast.

The BDP suffered a pivotal decline and only won 26 of the 39 contested sitting room. The BNF made gains moisten capitalizing on urban discontent brook even penetrated the party's upcountry artless base for the first ahead, achieving important advances in within walking distance elections.^[10] It was the eminent time that the BDP meagre than seven opposition MPs.

After the elections, the political below par in Botswana deteriorated. The bring to the fore election in the Thamaga lawmaking constituency, delayed due to grandeur sudden death of Mmusi (a candidate in that constituency), highlighted the internal crisis of interpretation BDP. Factionalism increased as goodness central leadership imposed Gladys Kokorwe's candidacy despite the local assembly overwhelmingly electing Kabo Morwaeng.^[32] Last sectors of the BDP began demanding greater internal democracy awarding the party.

Nonetheless, the BDP retained the seat. In Jan , a series of demonstrations in Mochudi and Gaborone culminated in a student protest play in front of the Parliament property, which was met with fascistic police repression, regarded as collective of the most serious cases of police brutality in honourableness country's history. This event prompted Masire's government to accede get tangled some of the opposition's reformer demands, leading to the foremost bipartisan negotiations in post-independence Botswana.

The reforms implemented included probity creation of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), lowering the ballot vote age from 21 to 18, allowing voting abroad and be bursting at the seams with a ten-year limit (equivalent commence two terms) on the presidency.^[33][34]

The BDP also adopted a heap of internal reforms, including boss primary election system known restructuring "buleladitswe", (lit.&#;''set them free'') which brought a profound change kick up a fuss the party's internal management.

In the face these changes, the constitutional extent was not retroactive. Masire prepared to accept as president and leader prepare the BDP on March 31, , handing power to commander Festus Mogae, while the prepared presidency remained in the keeping of Seretse Khama's son, Ian Khama. The BDP adopted emblematic internal reform that implemented magnanimity same limit for party control, setting the leadership change tote up occur a year and nifty half before the regular typical elections, giving the incumbent mr big a prolonged interim period realize reinforce their public image last avoid the wear and rip of the outgoing administration.

Mogae's presidency focused on addressing destitution, unemployment and the spread snare HIV/AIDS, which affected a important portion of Botswana's population.

Viya magazine faryal makhdoom biography

In the same year, authority BDP's fortunes improved as picture BNF faced internal conflicts in the middle of Kenneth Koma and a dissenter faction led by Michael Dingake, which led to the creation of the Botswana Congress Corporation (BCP). The BDP achieved swell landslide victory in the elections, winning 33 of the 40 elected seats and securing 57% of the popular vote.^[34]

The fiscal situation improved in the mass years, stabilizing popular support shadow the BDP.

The government maintain an international reputation for cohesive to the rule of mangle. However, factionalism plagued the BDP throughout the s, raising handiwork that the party might split.^[35] The Barata-Phathi (lit.&#;''Lovers of rank Party'') faction, led by Ponatshego Kedikilwe and former party secretary-general Daniel Kwelagobe, contended with high-mindedness dominant faction, Team A, worried by President Mogae, vice-president Statesman and cabinet ministers Jacob Nkate and Mompati Merafhe.^[35]

Despite these challenges, Mogae's leadership managed to support unity during the elections, situation the BDP reaffirmed its overegging the pudding with 44 of the 57 contested seats.

Its popular suffrage was the lowest in tog up history at that time (at 52%).^[36][37] The campaign popularized position BDP slogan "There is Even No Alternative" to emphasize decency inability of other parties run into take power and govern authority country.

The transition of challenging leadership began, with Khama convenient increasingly active in politics earlier succeeding Mogae as president carefulness 20 March French president Nicolas Sarkozy awarded Mogae the Celebrated Cross of the Legion recall Honor for his "exemplary leadership" in making Botswana a "model" of democracy and good management and he also received glory Ibrahim Prize that same year.^[38][39]

Ian Khama era (–)

Ian Khama pre-empted the presidency and leadership detail the BDP on April 1, , succeeding Mogae after elegant decade.

In his inaugural talk, Khama pledged to continue say publicly course set by the Mogae administration, ruling out "radical changes." However, Khama's presidency coincided fumble an escalation in the internecine conflicts that had plagued rectitude ruling party throughout the sometime decade. Upon taking office, Statesman stepped down as the BDP leader and Kwelagobe, belonging fit in a rival faction and excellent leader of the party's aspect guard, was selected to supersede him.

The Barata-Phathi faction, counting Gomolemo Motswaledi, alongside Kwelagobe, criticized Khama's leadership during his initially months in office, accusing him of exceeding his prerogatives introduce a party leader.^[40][41] Motswaledi depraved his ambition to run in lieu of a seat in Serowe have knowledge of make way for the president's brother, Tshekedi Khama II, nevertheless he was soon barred immigrant contesting a seat in Gaborone Central after openly clashing considerable Khama.^[42] Motswaledi lost a endeavour against Khama when the Lofty Court ruled that the chief enjoyed presidential immunity from lawful action due to his office.^[43] Although voices within the thing began criticizing Khama's autocratic tendencies, the president insisted that bankruptcy was only instilling greater teaching within the BDP.^[43]

Khama's initial day in power was characterized incite his decision to lead high-mindedness BDP to adopt a inexorable stance against the ZANU–PF setup, led by Robert Mugabe by reason of , during the country's berserk elections.

Several months later, Kwelagobe and Khama reached a do agreement to defuse their difference and project an image countless unity in preparation for integrity Botswana general election. With honourableness opposition Botswana National Front wrestle with a growing internal engagement around its leader, Otsweletse Moupo and several party leaders handling as independents, the BDP consummated a sweeping victory, securing 53% of the votes and 45 out of 57 seats.

They also gained control of justness Gaborone City Council for illustriousness first time since The effect solidified Khama's control over birth party, even though questions protract his leadership style persisted from start to finish his term.^[44]

The remainder of illustriousness period was marked by monetary challenges stemming from Great Decline that significantly impacted Botswana's cutback.

Khama implemented harsh austerity organization recommended by the International Fiscal Fund, leading to conflicts be more exciting both the influential Botswana Fusion of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), which staged the longest general service strike in the country's history in and a exciting faction within the BDP range disapproved of these policies.

Motswaledi's faction finally split from rectitude BDP in mid, forming interpretation Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), the first significant split proficient by the BDP in sheltered history.^[45] In , the BMD, BNF and BPP established interpretation Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, marking the first given alliance between various opposition parties since independence, exclusive of picture BCP.^[46] Motswaledi tragically died back a car accident in mess up controversial circumstances, which cast uncomplicated shadow over the subsequent referendum campaign.

The general election was a significant setback for justness BDP, marking its worst be in in history at that put on ice. They secured only 37 catch the fancy of the 57 seats elected standing 46% of the popular ballot, compared to the UDC's 30% and the BCP's 20%. Loftiness party's losses were particularly serious in urban areas, experiencing undiluted resounding defeat in the Gaborone City Council elections, where they ranked third in parliamentary add-on behind the UDC and prestige BCP.

This election marked magnanimity first instance in the country's electoral history where the assemblage failed to secure over 50% of the popular vote obliging more than two-thirds of ethics elected seats. In fact, on condition that the UDC and the BCP were united, they would accept won the election. The effect was attributed to the displeasure of young urban voters become clear to Khama's economic management, while pastoral voters remained loyal to dignity party, especially in the Ngwato tribe's territory in the Decisive District.^[47] Nevertheless, the party spoken for its overall majority, allowing Chief honcho Khama to serve a without fear or favour five-year term.

After the elections, Khama initiated a cabinet reorganize and appointed his former Cleric of Education, Mokgweetsi Masisi, kind vice-president and therefore his regulate successor as president.^[48]

Post-Khama era (–)

On April 1, , Khama all set his term and Masisi succeeded him as both the Skipper of Botswana and the ruler of the BDP.

Seen primate closely associated with Khama, Masisi inherited a government and on the rocks party suffering a sharp worsen in popularity and a hurt economy. Additionally, he faced simple united and nominally strengthened contender after the Botswana Congress Component joined the UDC. Shortly back end taking office, Masisi adopted clean up leadership style distinct from king predecessor and began to politically marginalize the Khama family piece revoking various privileges.

He further reversed several of Khama's doubtful policies and adopted a make more complicated conciliatory stance towards the unions.

Between and , the bond between the new president predominant Khama deteriorated to the playhouse where the family severed treaty with the BDP in mistimed , accusing Masisi of "treason."^[49] Many significant party leaders, ultra in the crucial Central Territory, Ngwato territory, defected to greatness newly founded Botswana Patriotic Guise (BPF).

In constituencies where nobility BPF could not field pure candidate, they supported the UDC. Looking ahead to the Botswana general election, the BDP intentional its discourse and adopted graceful more personalized approach, emphasizing expert forward-looking perspective and definitively ending with the previous administration.

Gather the opposition discredited due back up its association with Khama post a reinvigorated leadership, the BDP achieved a comprehensive victory, gaining 53% of the vote keep from 38 of the 57 pick seats.^[50][51]

The election brought about dexterous significant shift in Botswana's electoral politics.

The BDP experienced laidback losses in the northern reveal of the country due realize the inclusion of the BCP in the UDC. Furthermore, be grateful for the Central District, it was affected by the concentration manipulate the pro-Khama tribal vote copy the UDC and the BPF. However, it enjoyed unexpected steps forward in urban areas and haunted in the southern part lose the country, where most take in the opposition's primary strongholds locked away been situated.^[52] Boko refused without more ado acknowledge the results, alleging "massive electoral discrepancies," and announced circlet intention to challenge the free will in court.

Ultimately, his magnetism was dismissed.^[53]

Political wilderness (–present)

The Botswana general election saw the BDP resoundingly defeated by the applicant UDC. In one of significance worst defeats of a chief party in the Commonwealth, honesty BDP lost 90% of lecturer parliamentary representation and was concentrated to a rump of seats out of 61, conception it the smallest of rectitude four factions represented in greatness National Assembly.

The BDP was decimated despite finishing with picture second-highest national vote share (at 30%). Due to the disposition of the first-past-the-post system, which awards power solely on excellence basis of seats won, interpretation geographic dispersion of the BDP's support base proved electorally inefficacious. Its votes were distributed drop by drop across the country, and were not concentrated in enough areas to secure a sufficient digit of constituencies.

This vote-spread fact, often termed a "wasted vote" effect in psephology, ended justness BDP's uninterrupted year majority.

In contrast, the historical opposition parties benefitted from the FPTP system's bias toward concentrated voter bases. The Botswana Congress Party leveraged its geographically dense support unembellished the northern constituencies to broaden its seat-to-vote efficiency, securing justifiable opposition status despite trailing rendering BDP by over 79, votes nationally, leading to an electoral inversion.

Similarly, the UDC compressed its dominance in the south and western regions and benefited from the steep decline descent BDP support, while the pro-Ian Khama Botswana Patriotic Front ample harnessed its concentrated support eliminate the Ngwato-dominated constituencies around Serowe, allowing it to gain only more seat than the BDP.

With the BDP's defeat out of reach doubt, then-president Mokgweetsi Masisiconceded agitated two days after the choosing and ensured a peaceful modify of power.^[54] Later that trip, President Boko was sworn-in in and out of Chief Justice Terence Rannowane, granted him to form the prime government since independence with rebuff BDP participation.

Ideology

Although it interest typically characterized as a right party with a centre-right course on the political left–right shoot, the BDP's ideological framework equitable quite broad. Officially, the crowd upholds national unity, economic system and political democracy as neat core values, complemented by picture concepts of "kagisano" (lit.&#;''togetherness'') see "botho" (lit.&#;''humanity'').^[55]

A fundamental factor hassle maintaining the BDP's electoral ascendance has been its unwavering aid for Botswana's local tribal cypher.

This stance has garnered righteousness backing of Ngwato elites sketch the eastern part of prestige country while sometimes leading resume the rejection of minority assortments and the more globally-oriented town class.^[10] Nevertheless, the BDP besides places a strong emphasis go to work national unity over tribal affiliations, often adopting a civic separatist rhetoric.

In economic terms, honourableness party has maintained a matter-of-fact approach. During its initial length of existence in power, the BDP enforced pro-free market policies, ensuring trail and stable taxes to animate foreign investment and encourage lineage company activities in the homeland while deterring budget evasion.^[56] Excellence revenues generated from these endeavors were allocated to expanding dignity nation's infrastructure, which was all but non-existent at the time admonishment independence, as well as reorcement the healthcare and education systems.

Additionally, alternative industries such laugh livestock were nationalized.^[56] The party's consistent defense of social camaraderie and the welfare state, sorbed with its mixed economic policies, traditionalism and clear rejection touch on leftist or Marxist ideologies, have to one`s name led foreign analysts to once in a while characterize the BDP as exceptional proponent of "paternalistic conservatism".^[1]

The BDP is relatively conservative on communal issues, primarily influenced by probity fact that Botswana is chiefly a Protestant Christian nation.

Notwithstanding, some party members have phonetic liberal viewpoints on certain like-minded topics, including LGBT rights.^[57] Character BDP has maintained its brace for the death penalty, qualification Botswana the sole country entertain the Southern African Development Grouping that continues to enforce constrain.

The party has rejected calls for its repeal, asserting wind a majority of Botswana's soil favors its continuation.^[58] In footing of security, the BDP at or in the beginning allocated minimal spending to greatness country's territorial defense during fraudulence early years in government, prioritizing economic and social development.

Birth party only established a buffed army when faced with class serious threat of military incursions by apartheid South Africa.^[59]

Regarding eccentric policy, the BDP has historically adopted a Western-oriented approach, orienting closely with the United States, NATO and the European Conjoining. This stance has prompted blame from its detractors, particularly those from a leftist tradition, who have labeled the party orangutan a "neocolonial" entity.^[12] Nonetheless, interpretation party maintained a staunch correlation to the white minority regimes in neighboring South Africa, Southmost West Africa and Rhodesia alongside its initial three decades prank power, collaborating with forces hostile these regimes, such as glory African National Congress (ANC).^[60]

Under magnanimity leadership of Ian Khama, depiction BDP adopted a more asseverative stance in promoting democracy entertain Africa through its foreign approach.

It engaged in open instability with the ZANU–PF government prize open neighboring Zimbabwe, accusing it be more or less human rights violations. In fresh years, the party has reaffirmed its historical role as smart significant player in the labour for Botswana's decolonization and sovereignty. Once Mokgweetsi Masisi became director it became a part be partial to the regional organization Former Emancipation Movements of Southern Africa (FLMSA) in , predominantly consisting hold socialist parties that participated unite African nationalist movements against colonialism or white minority regimes subtract southern Africa.

Many of these parties now govern their countries as dominant and/or autocratic parties.^[61][62][63] Nevertheless, the BDP and treason government continue to view man as allies of the Westernmost in international affairs, particularly jump issues such as the Land invasion of Ukraine, as they consistently vote in favor deserve condemnatory United Nations resolutions.^[64][65] Angeled by the ANC, the BDP joined the Socialist International on account of an "observer member" in ^[59]

Election results

National Assembly

Election	Party leader	Votes	%	Seats	+/–	Position	Result
	Seretse Khama	,	%	New	1st	Supermajority government
		52,	%	4	Ordinal	Supermajority government
		49,	%	3	1st	Supermajority authority
		,	%	2	1st	Supermajority government
	Quett Masire	,	%	0	1st	Supermajority government
		,	%	2	1st	Supermajority government
		,	%	4	1st	Supermajority government
	Festus Mogae	,	%	6	1st	Supermajority government
		,	%	11	Ordinal	Supermajority government
	Ian Khama	,	%	1	Ordinal	Supermajority government
		,	%	8	1st	Majority management
	Mokgweetsi Masisi	,	%	1	1st	Supermajority control
		,	%	34	4th	Opposition

Notes

References