Gaborone, Botswana – Former President Ian Khama has made scathing remarks about the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), attributing its historic loss of parliamentary majority to what he described as “self-interest and greed.” In a candid interview with Newzroom Afrika, Khama did not hold back in criticizing the party he once led, offering a searing analysis of the reasons behind its stunning electoral defeat.
Khama, who has become a vocal critic of the BDP since parting ways with the party, argued that the leadership’s focus on personal gain over the well-being of the nation alienated voters and led to a collapse in support. “The Botswana Democratic Party lost its parliamentary majority because of self-interest and greed,” he declared. According to Khama, the party’s failure to prioritize the needs of ordinary Batswana ultimately eroded the trust that had kept it in power for decades.
The former president’s comments have resonated widely on social media, where many Batswana have echoed his sentiments. Critics of the BDP argue that under its recent leadership, the party became disconnected from the electorate, failing to address pressing issues such as unemployment, corruption, and economic inequality.
Khama’s interview comes as the BDP grapples with its new reality as the least powerful party in Parliament, following a resounding defeat that has positioned the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) as the ruling party. The BDP’s diminished status marks a dramatic shift in Botswana’s political landscape, raising questions about the party’s future and whether it can recover from this major setback.
Khama, who played a significant role in mobilizing opposition to the BDP, emphasized that the election results reflect the will of a nation hungry for change. His remarks add to the growing discourse on the BDP’s shortcomings and the need for introspection as Botswana enters a new political era under UDC leadership.
