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Botswana Democratic Party

The '''Botswana Democratic Party''' (BDP) is the governing conservative party in Botswana. Its chairman is Daniel Kwelagobe. BDP was shaped by Sir Seretse Khama, who is celebrated for nurturing the economic and political success of Botswana. 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). At the last elections in Botswana|election, the party won 53.26% of popular votes and 45 out of 57 seats. BDP candidate Ian Khama is the current President of Botswana.

History

In 1961, Seretse Khama founded the party. Before independence was achieved in 1966, it was known as the "Bechuanaland Democratic Party". On 30 September 1966, Khama's vision of independence became true. In the first general elections in 1965 it won 28 of 31 seats. Khama became the president of Botswana. It has been the most popular party in every election since independence. Under the leadership of Botswana Democratic Party, economic development has outpaced Asian Tigers. Botswana has achieved high levels of development and democracy. Festus Mogae served as the country's president between 1998 ad 2008. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the ''Légion d'honneur'' by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on 20 March 2008 for his "exemplary leadership" in making Botswana a "model" of democracy and good governance."Sarkozy décore le président du Botswana pour sa bonne gouvernance", AFP, March 20, 2008 . Mogae won the 2008 Ibrahim Prize|Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.ap.google.com, Former president of Botswana gets leadership prizereuters.com, Botswana's Mogae wins African leadership prize Ian Khama, the son of former president Sir Seretse Khama, joined 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 former Secretary General Daniel Kwelagobe, 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. In his inauguration address, Ian Khama outlined the National Vision 2016.

Notable members

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

References

External links

- Official website Category:Conservative parties in Botswana

Related Images

- Flag of the Botswana Democratic Party

Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL

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