BDP national council, congress set for September
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 8, 2023 06:00
The party’s secretary-general, Kavis Kario, confirmed the dates in a statement to The Monitor on Sunday.
The first day, September 2, will focus on the national council’s deliberations, covering crucial reports from census and delimitation, amongst other matters, some of which will be carried over to the last day.
Kario emphasised the importance of these reports in shaping the party’s decisions and preparations for upcoming general election. The census report, for instance, will guide their membership drive efforts and help determine its duration.
“The national council is an annual event and any proposed changes to party rules and regulations require congress resolution for approval,” Kario explained to The Monitor. He highlighted that party members had requested the council to wait for these reports, as they play a significant role in enabling informed decision-making.
The input from party members will also influence the party leadership’s actions before and after the primary elections. He underlined the importance of having both events in Palapye, citing cost-cutting measures and time constraints as reasons to avoid scheduling a separate Special Congress. Regarding the party primary elections, known as Bulela Ditswe, Kario stressed the need for thorough preparation, as it involves a well-defined process. Decisions taken during the council and extraordinary congress may affect the primary elections’ procedures and policies.
Kario further clarified that cell and branch committee members aspiring to participate in the Bulela Ditswe elections must relinquish their positions. However, the central committee has yet to announce specific dates for members to renounce these positions, and the process will follow the party's constitutional guidelines.
The secretary-general assured that the BDP is committed to conducting free and fair elections, demonstrating the party’s dedication to upholding democratic principles in its internal processes. With the congress and council fast approaching, the BDP is preparing to engage in robust discussions, relying on its members’ input to shape the party's future path.