Botswana Democratic Party

Botswana Democratic Party

The Botswana Democratic Party is the governing conservative party in Botswana, led by president Ian Khama. At the last election, the party won 51.7% of popular votes and 44 out of 57 seats.

Before independence was achieved in 1966, it was known as the "Bechuanaland Democratic Party". In the first general elections in 1965 it won 28 of 31 seats. Since independence, it has been in power continuously.

The party's base is in the traditional Setswana communities, and it was sometimes referred to as "the Chief's party" (referring to Sir Seretse Khama). The BDP is pro-Western, and it has been accused of accepting money from the United States and diamond mining interests during political campaigns. Its supporters believe that the party has provided stability (Botswana has never experienced a coup or civil war), democratic rule and a moderately high level of development compared to some other countries in southern Africa. Currently its leader, Ian Khama, is president of Botswana.

However, the party's support has been declining since the thirtieth anniversary of independence in 1997 largely due to the declining living standards in Botswana, and faces an uncertain future in the next general elections in 2009. Recent media polls have shown that a good number of citizens, particularly the youth are turning their support to opposition parties. Vice President Lt-Gen. Ian Khama (the son of former president Sir Seretse Khama) was brought in from the army command to add strength to the party ahead of the 1999 general elections. Currently the party is ridden by factions and observers predict that unless discipline is instilled, the party will split. One faction (calling itself Barata-Phathi) is led by Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Secretary General Daniel Kwelagobe and Lord Ian Joesepho Godfrayo Wise, while the dominant faction (calling itself The A Team) is led by cabinet ministers Jacob Nkate and Mompati Merafhe. The A Team was formerly led by President Festus Mogae and his Vice-Lieutenant General Ian Khama. Both of them have since pulled out from leading factions even though they are still members of 'The A Team'. On the first of April 2008, Ian Khama ascended to the presidency as the fourth President of the Republic of Botswana, as a result relinquishing his chairmanship of the Botswana Democratic Party. The vacant post was then undertaken by party stalwart and veteran Daniel Kwelagobe.

Notable members

* Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe
* Ponatshego Kedikilwe
* Sir Seretse Khama
* Sir Quett Masire
* Festus Mogae
* Ian Khama
* Daniel Kwelagobe


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Botswana Democratic Party — Flagge der BDP Die Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ist eine konservative Partei in Botsuana. Sie wurde 1962 von Seretse Khama gegründet und hieß vor der Unabhängigkeit des Landes Bechuanaland People s Party (BPP). Bei den ersten allgemeinen… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Botswana Congress Party — Leader Dumelang Saleshando Spokesperson Taolo Lucas Founded June 20, 1998 (1998 06 20) Ideology …   Wikipedia

  • Democratic Party — The following is a list of political parties whose names (in English) could be translated to Democratic Party or the Democrat(s). Active parties Nation Party Albania Democratic Party of Albania Andorra Democratic Party (Andorra) Anguilla Anguilla …   Wikipedia

  • New Democratic Party candidates, 1997 Canadian federal election — The New Democratic Party of Canada ran a full slate of candidates in the 1997 federal election, and won 21 seats out of 301 to emerge as the fourth largest party in the Canadian House of Commons. Many of the party s candidates have their own… …   Wikipedia

  • BOTSWANA - Actualité (1990-1996) — P align=center République du Botswana Le règne du Botswana Democratic Party (B.D.P.), au pouvoir depuis l’indépendance et plébiscité lors des élections d’octobre 1989, est troublé par la démission, en mars 1992, du vice président, Peter Mmusi, et …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Botswana — /bot swah neuh/, n. a republic in S Africa: formerly a British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 1,500,765; 275,000 sq. mi. (712,250 sq. km). Cap.: Gaborone. Formerly, Bechuanaland. * * * Botswana… …   Universalium

  • Botswana — Republic of Botswana Lefatshe la Botswana …   Wikipedia

  • Botswana — <p></p> <p></p> Introduction ::Botswana <p></p> Background: <p></p> Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. More than four decades …   The World Factbook

  • Botswana — Botsuana * * * Bo|ts|wa|na: internationale Schreibung für ↑ Botsuana usw. * * * Botswana,     Kurzinformation:   Fläche: 581 730 km2   Einwohner: (2000) 1,6 Mio.   …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Botswana general election, 1999 — The Botswana general election of 1999 was fought between the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and four opposition parties. 40 seats in the Parliament were contested, with the largest opposition party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) losing its… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”