BNF to tackle constituency disputes
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 29, 2024 10:23
BNF secretary-general (SG), Ketlhalefile Motshegwa told a press conference on Wednesday that the leadership is convinced that everything will be sorted out soon as they prepare for primary elections planned for March.
“Yes, we have received letters of grievances, something which is embedded in the culture and character of the BNF (inner democracy), robust debates, as a progressive and revolutionary organisation. The BNF CC fruitfully deliberated on those, and a clear programme of action on resolution of such matters is underway and we are highly confident that all will be settled with maturity, and demonstration of leadership," Motshegwa told Mmegi.
Furthermore, he said the party's central committee will tour all constituencies to appeal for unity, peace and good working relationship with their partners. Motshegwa pointed out that they will plead with their members in all constituencies to be focused on the ultimate goal being the change of government. In addition, he said they are bold and confident about winning elections.
Moreover, Motshegwa stressed that the BNF remains committed to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) project, and will continue with efforts of continued good working relationship with contracting parties for stability, progress and prosperity of the coalition. He, however, said there shall be a leadership forum on February 10, 2024, at Tonota village.
“It is to be attended by the Central Committee, the BNF Youth League (BNFYL), Women’s League (WL), Members of Parliament, councillors and chairpersons and secretaries of constituencies and regional committees. Noting that this is elections year, in addition, invitation will be extended to campaign coordinator for regions,” he said. Motshegwa stated that his party is cementing and fostering unity within the BNF, building leaders within the party, enhancing political education and preparing for 2024 General Election. He said to win the election they need a united, inspired and bold party. On other issues, he said women who won through by-elections will not be challenged in primary elections and wards that are currently held by women, and youth will only be contested by women in primary elections.
In that regard, he said there will be discussions for consensus where women, youth, and people with disability have shown interest. He further noted that the party's national elections board is preparing for primary elections to be held before March 31 as per a schedule released with the writ by the board.
He also revealed that they have received an expression of interest from allocated constituencies, and in reaction to the writ, unopposed prospects will be submitted to the UDC for fully-fledged campaigns. While on verification of voters' rolls, he said the first batch (initial 15 constituencies: they are to visit the head office on January 22-27 for verification and signing of the voters' roll)s. And second batch (last constituencies ): they are to visit the head office on January 29 - February 3, 2024, for verification and signing of the voters roll). He said the final voter' rolls are to be signed by constituency chairpersons and secretaries including aspiring candidates. Moreover, he said each region has an elections committee constituted of people who are impartial, professional and not active in campaigns for primary elections.
He revealed that these committees are under the national elections board. The approach is to hold transparent, free and fair primary elections with credibility to ensure organisational stability and cohesion. He added: “We are a democratic organisation, we pride ourselves with good governance, we are a united party.” On issues of policies, the BNF SG urged government to put in place a programme of testing for non-communicable diseases like cancer to be mandatory in the country’s public health system, annually, for 25 years and above for all sexes.
He said the exponential increase or growth in these diseases is now a serious economic, social and family risk and threat. The BNF SG said the country is facing critical challenges outside any political rhetoric such as poverty and its spatial and gender dynamics, increasing Income inequalities by area, gender and social class, unemployment by area, gender and age, and access to land which in turn affects access to farming opportunities, housing, business, corruption and looting with impunity, climate change, dysfunctional service delivery, bad governance and faith in neo-liberalism or private sector dominance without public regulation and scrutiny.