- Party reportedly united around seeking stability under Boko
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
President Duma Gideon Boko is set to run unopposed for the presidency of the Botswana National Front (BNF) at the party’s elective congress in July.
This will mark Boko’s fifth term as leader of the BNF.
In a brief interview, the BNF Secretary for Publicity, Tumelo Legase, disclosed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) is finalising plans for issuance of the congress writ.
Premature
“We will hold a meeting in the first week of February to confirm when the writ will be released,” he said. “Until then, discussions about candidates remain premature.”
Nevertheless, The Botswana Gazette is informed that party structures have resolved not to support any challengers to Boko’s leadership.
Said an insider: “The BNF needs unity going forward. Boko, as the president of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), requires our full backing to lead both the UDC and the nation effectively.”
Boko has faced criticism during his tenure, including accusations from the BNF Veterans Committee, of isolating the party from its grassroots members.
BNF president since 2010
In 2024, reports emerged of internal plots to remove him at the upcoming congress. However, such disgruntlement seems to have evaporated for the July congress.
Bucks Molatlhegi, who had planned to challenge Boko at the 2022 congress, withdrew his candidacy at the last minute, leaving Boko unchallenged then as well.
Boko has led the BNF since 2010 when he defeated then-president Otsweletse Moupo. Despite navigating a fragmented party at times, he remains a central figure in the BNF and UDC’s leadership.