| Botswana Patriotic Front | |
| Foundation: | July 2019 |
| Split: | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Leader: | Mephato Reatile |
| Chairperson: | Oboetswe Gabotlale |
| General Secretary: | Tshekedi Khama |
| Ideology: | Pro-Ian Khama Populism[1] Ngwato interests |
| National: | None Formerly: Umbrella for Democratic Change |
| Position: | Big tent |
| Seats1 Title: | National Assembly |
| Seats2 Title: | Pan African Parliament |
| Country: | Botswana |
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is a populist political party in Botswana formed in July 2019 by members of the Botswana Democratic Party who split from the party because of a high-profile rivalry between former presidents Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The party was officially launched in July 2019 as a split from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).[2] It was backed by former president and BDP leader Ian Khama after he left the party.[3]
In the October 2019 general elections, the party received 4.3% of the vote and won three seats, all in Khama's home area of Central District – Tshekedi Khama II elected in Serowe West, Leepetswe Lesedi in Serowe South and Baratiwa Mathoothe in Serowe North. However, party leader Biggie Butale failed to be elected in Tati West.[4]
On 6 August 2022, the BPF joined the Umbrella for Democratic Change alliance, at that time, uniting all opposition parties in the National Assembly except the Alliance for Progressives.[5] However, during a party retreat on the 6th of April 2024, the party left the alliance, opting for a "pact model" instead of running under the UDC symbol ahead of the 2024 elections.[6]
| Election | Leader | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Biggie Butale | 34,028 | 4.41% | New | 3rd | |||
| 2024 | Mephato Reatile | 69,414 | 8.31% | 2 | 3rd |
The Botswana Patriotic Front uses a clock with its arms pointing at 4 o'clock as its logo or election symbol. The clock is accompanied by the words Ke Nako, meaning "it is time" in Setswana.[7]