Botswana Independence Party
Encyclopedia
The Botswana Independence Party (BIP) was a political party
in Botswana
that existed from 1964 to 1994.
The BIP was founded in 1964 by former members of the Botswana People's Party
(BPP) and was led by Motsamai Mpho.
During its existence, the BIP played the role of a minor opposition party. The party participated in five national elections (1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 1989), but managed to gain representation in the National Assembly
only twice (1969 and 1974), both times winning only one seat.
In 1994, the BIP merged with the Botswana Freedom Party (BFP) to form the Independence Freedom Party (IFP) under the leadership of Motsamai Mpho. The IFP won only 3% of the vote and no seats in elections held on 15 October 1994. Soon after, the IFP ceased to exist.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
that existed from 1964 to 1994.
The BIP was founded in 1964 by former members of the Botswana People's Party
Botswana People's Party
The Botswana People’s Party is a progressive political party in Botswana, led by Bernard Balikani. BPP is the first political movement in Botswana having being formed in 1960. At the last general election, the party won no seats.-History:...
(BPP) and was led by Motsamai Mpho.
During its existence, the BIP played the role of a minor opposition party. The party participated in five national elections (1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 1989), but managed to gain representation in the National Assembly
National Assembly of Botswana
The National Assembly of Botswana is the legislature of the country's unicameral Parliament. It is advised by the House of Chiefs, which is not a house of Parliament....
only twice (1969 and 1974), both times winning only one seat.
In 1994, the BIP merged with the Botswana Freedom Party (BFP) to form the Independence Freedom Party (IFP) under the leadership of Motsamai Mpho. The IFP won only 3% of the vote and no seats in elections held on 15 October 1994. Soon after, the IFP ceased to exist.