Race for BPF leadership

The battle for leadership positions of the newly registered opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has intensified ahead of its inaugural conference scheduled to be held in Kanye in two weeks, where a new National Executive Committee (NEC) will be elected. Opinion remains divided over the possible impact of the new party as the BPF comes at a delicate time for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which faces political uncertainty ahead of the 2019 elections due to the split. BPF has faced heavy criticism from its parent party, the BDP, who accuse the founders of breaking away to form a new party only to serve former president Ian Khama's interest. Widely described in political circles as Khama’s party, BPF founding members are yet to determine which role the former president will play in the party but for now all indications are that he will continue operating behind the scenes. July 6 conference One of the BPF conveners Roseline Panzirah Matshome confirmed that their inaugural conference will be held in Kanye on the 6th of July and will among others discuss the constitution of the party and other issues. “We will also discuss the party policies and ideology as well as…