Parliament, cabinet, parties, governance.
After the UDC coalition's defeat in the Sefhophe council by-election, some BNF members are seeking clarity on the BPF's decision to contest, which they believe contributed to the coalition's loss. The dispute has prompted questions within BNF about the terms of cooperation with the BPF, which is not an affiliate of the opposition coalition.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
After the UDC coalition's defeat in the Sefhophe council by-election, some BNF members are seeking clarity on the BPF's decision to contest, which they believe contributed to the coalition's loss. The dispute has prompted questions within BNF about the terms of cooperation with the BPF, which is not an affiliate of the opposition coalition.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party won a by-election in the Mmadinare constituency, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's dominance in the area since independence. The result reflects a significant political shift in the region, with implications for UDC coalition partners.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
The UDC is navigating growing internal wrangles, factional tensions, and member complaints over leadership accountability, amid reports of a resignation from a Mmadinare councillor. The party faces unresolved issues stemming from its last Palapye elective congress.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
BNF veterans Tladi and Mmereki have drafted a position paper proposing that the party establish a mechanism for placing cadres in government departments and state-owned enterprises to strengthen political influence and coordinate policy implementation. This challenges former president Otsweletse Moupo's warning against turning political appointments into rewards for party loyalty, with the cadre deployment issue set to be debated at the party's leadership forum in Selebi-Phikwe.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party reported increased voter numbers compared to the last General Election, despite losing three by-elections, with party president Dumelang Saleshando stating the figures demonstrate party growth and strengthened grassroots structures ahead of the 2029 polls.
19 hours ago · Mmegi →
UDC backbench MPs are organizing to demand substantial salary and allowance increases, citing Botswana's economic rebound in 2026, and plan to submit a formal proposal to Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe before November's Parliament sitting and President Duma Boko's State of the Nation Address.
25 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The OECD's 2026 Peer Review has found that Botswana has not established key international arrangements required to exchange tax information on multinational companies, leaving the country with a longstanding transparency gap.
25 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
In an interview at her home near Gaborone, prominent activist Dow reflects on her involvement in the legal case that made her name known internationally, her decision to contest for BCP vice president, and her tendency to step into every space where she believes she can contribute, saying "I am unable not to get involved if I believe I have an opinion or something to contribute."
22 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Public Employees Union has called on government to protect wages and household incomes in the 2027/28 budget, warning against cuts to workers to meet fiscal constraints.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
President Duma Boko has rejected concerns that Botswana's closer ties with China could damage relations with the United States, saying national interests will determine the country's strategic partnerships.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Patriotic Front has responded to UDC members blaming it for a Sefhophe defeat, stating that the loyalty of its two Cabinet ministers to the UDC neither concerns nor binds the party.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Congress Party has challenged PEEPA's involvement in recruiting Land Board members, warning that appointments made outside the prescribed procedure could expose land allocations to court challenges.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairperson Kgosi Malope II is demanding that traditional leaders be involved earlier in policy and legislative decisions, warning against reducing the institution to a ceremonial role.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Directorate of Intelligence and Security has lost just one case before the Intelligence and Security Tribunal out of 23 complaints lodged since 2021.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Botswana Congress Party president Dumelang Saleshando has demanded answers from the police commissioner over the arrest and interrogation of two party activists, accusing police of selectively targeting government critics while overlooking online attacks on opposition leaders.
22 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum Lobbying and Advocacy Mission vice president has called on Botswana to strengthen measures for increasing women's participation in decision-making structures, including Parliament, and to focus on gender mainstreaming rather than parity alone. She said efforts should begin at grassroots level and cited South Africa and Tanzania as examples of countries with improved women's representation.
22 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The BCP secured 800 votes against the UDC's 705 in the Sefhophe by-election, winning barely two years after the UDC's historic 2024 election victory. The loss is attributed partly to voters' frustration with economic hardship and rising living costs, compounded by President Boko's earlier assertion that election promises do not constitute legally binding contracts.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The BDP, which dominated Botswana's politics for nearly six decades, is now recognising the need for collective action against the ruling UDC following a weak performance in the Sefhophe by-election, where it secured 291 votes compared to BCP's 800 and UDC's 705.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Congress Party defeated the UDC in a Sefhophe by-election to fill a vacant ward councillor seat. BCP candidate Mokwaledi Bagwasi received the most votes, with BDP receiving 291 votes and BPF receiving 225 in a total of 2,032 votes cast.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Justice Maripe ruled in the High Court in Maun on October 16 that the National Amalgamated Local Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union was "punching way above its weight" by challenging the Public Service Bargaining Council's constitution and the appointment of its secretary and deputy secretary, finding the Council's constitution remains intact and that the union should apply for membership if it wishes to participate.
21 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Kgatleng Central MP Mpho Morolong has proposed introducing sign language as the country's third official language to promote inclusivity and improve communication with deaf members of society. He noted that recognizing sign language would reduce disadvantages faced by people with hearing impairment during community gatherings and could create employment opportunities if introduced in schools.
21 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →