Editing Politics of Botswana (section)

==Political parties==
{{Further|List of political parties in Botswana}}
Botswana is characterised by a competitive [[multi-party system]]. The country had a [[dominant-party system]] in which the BDP won every election from 1965 until 2024. The party was formed by Seretse Khama in 1962 during the nation's movement toward independence and it ruled with a majority in every government until 2024.

Historically, the [[Botswana National Front]] had been the main opposition party, advocating [[left-wing politics]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Sebudubudu |first1=David |last2=Bodilenyane |first2=Keratilwe |last3=Kwerepe |first3=Phana |date=2016 |title=The Politics of Opposition Electoral Coalitions and Alliances in Botswana |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45342124 |journal=The African Review: A Journal of African Politics, Development and International Affairs |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=1–26 |jstor=45342124 |issn=0856-0056}}</ref> The opposition in the Botswana legislature was often been fragmented, with several parties competing with one another in addition to challenging the BDP.<ref name=":3" /> The opposition was mainly been supported by urbanites, tribes outside of the majority Tswana population and certain tribal chiefs. Increasing urbanisation beginning in the 80s gave more strength to opposition parties.{{Sfn|Hillbom|Bolt|2018|pp=149–150}}

[[Political faction|Factionalism]] is common in Botswana political parties and several parties have split from the Botswana National Front, including the [[Botswana Congress Party]] that became another significant opposition party after its creation in 1998. Several attempts were made to create [[Political group|alliances]] between opposition parties. Most notably in 2012, the Botswana National Front, the [[Botswana Movement for Democracy]] and the [[Botswana People's Party]] formed the [[Umbrella for Democratic Change]] which ultimately defeated the BDP at the [[2024 Botswana general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-06 |title='Umbrella for Democratic Change' party to be registered |url=https://www.sundaystandard.info/ocyumbrella-for-democratic-changeoco-party-to-be-registered/ |access-date=2024-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=EPHRAIM KEORENG<br>Staff |date=2012-06-21 |title=Umbrella MPs in double membership |url=https://www.mmegi.bw/news/umbrella-mps-in-double-membership/news |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=Mmegi Online}}</ref>