Botswana Democratic Party

The Botswana Democratic Party is the governing political party of Botswana. In the 1999 elections it took 33 of 40 elected seats in the Botswana National Assembly, with 54.2% of the vote.

Before independence 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 Tswana 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.

Notable members -

• Ponatshego Kedikilwe
• Sir Seretse Khama
• Sir Quett Masire
• Festus Mogae
• Ian Khama