Botswana Democratic Party

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

Before independence was achieved in 1967, 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, Festus Mogae, 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. 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 and Secretary General Daniel Kwelagobe, while the dorminant 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 Lt. Ian Khama. Both of them have since pulled out from leading factions even though they are still members of 'The A Team'.

Notable members: