The re-birth of the BNF

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday December 13, 2013 17:29

 

While in the midst of the primaries’ row-row in the ruling party the BNF seemed aloof, and even missing in action, there was a general sweep of comment that Kenneth Koma’s home was all but gone.

But then came the party primary elections last weekend and the government-run Btv gave it extensive coverage. And instead of achieving the obvious of harping on the negatives – opening of the polling stations late – the government broadcaster inevitably revealed something that many Batswana were oblivious to, BNF is seeing a revival. Members, young and old, took to the polls, and patiently waited on the elections officers to open the doors to vote. The long peaceful queues told a story of a party in revival.

In fact, from the party’s headquarters in Gaborone, there was a general agreement that for the first time in 20 years, BNF had seen an unprecedented large numbers at the primaries.

At different polling stations, in the party’s stronghold regions of the south, the young and old quietly mingles. This trend, some have observed, is usually seen at its congresses whenever party elders emerges out of bitter in-fighting, and readying for change.

 BNF president, Duma Boko, is partly being credited for the revival. Despite some off steps at the beginning, with some in the central committee fighting and loosing the battle against opposition party corporation, there is now appreciation for the youthful leader. He has revived the Kenneth Koma’s charisma; something party veterans seem to embrace.

He also seems to manage internal strife more effectively than his predecessor Otsweletse Moupo.

Interestingly Boko seems to be applying the tactics of shrewd notable politicians, working with former opponents within. He has dug out Moupo from Radisele, and getting him on public platforms, something he and his leadership is said to be intending to do with more of the fallen former leaders.

 Another critical issue for BNF is UDC, Though looking weak on paper it has somehow given opponents of the ruling party hope for opposition unity and BNF is leading in this regard. Other party leaders agree.

Kwenantle Gaseitsewe, the BNF secretary for international affairs and also a parliamentary candidate for Kanye South, agrees that the revival is due to their cooperation with other parties. He added that BNF members had longed for opposition cooperation thus the decision motivated them to come back to politics. “Of course BNF veterans are actively involved in the running of the party, especially since hearing reports that their party is dying. It is also a sign that they want to support whatever their leadership is doing especially on the Southern part because they believe BNF is theirs,” he said.

One can also not dispute that Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has helped BNF in terms of revival of party structures which some had collapsed.  BMD members have passion for politics, which motivated some BNF members who were no longer active to resurrect.

Gaseitsiwe stated opposition cooperation is very important as it helps parties to unite and urged opposition parties to stop attacking each other. Political analyst, UB lecturer Bashi Mothusi agrees that UDC helped BNF a lot on its revival. 

Also, Mothusi said BNF veterans seem happy with Boko’s leadership, hence they are coming out of the woodworks.

“Again when we look at the southern side of the country, BNF stand good chance in some of the constituencies. With problems that BDP is facing, BNF might reclaim some of its strong hold that it had long lost,” he said.

He said BNF elders have hope that their party would do better in the coming general elections.