BPF NEC puzzled by Reatile's UDC decision
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday April 9, 2024 11:14
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, he said the BPF will be using its own symbol in the 2024 General Election. Reatile said he was using BPF constitution clause article 20.6.4, which gives him the power to take certain decisions in the interest of the party during emergency times.
“Some BPF members were threatening to leave the party while others wanted to contest as independent candidates since UDC affiliates were not cooperative with them especially for wards allocation where the agreed ratio of 60 to 40% was not used,” he explained. “As the president, I was forced to act so that the party does not collapse.” Reatile further revealed that the constitution gives him the powers pending the review of the congress, which he failed to specify whether it would be held with five months left before the general election. On other issues, the BPF president said in some areas where UDC and BPF do not agree, both parties will contest against each other as it happened in the 2019 General Election. He said the PACT model happened before and, therefore, he believes it is suitable even now as it would help to operate freely.
However, the decision seems not to have gone well with some NEC members who are now considering taking action against the president. They believe Reatile failed to consult the NEC and other party structures. “The leadership forum which was called was told about the decision and their input was not heard.
The party cannot operate like that. It cannot be one man’s show. “That is why we wanted the president to be clear that he took the decision alone,” one source said. Some NEC members believe that there is no emergency that could have prompted the president to act in that manner. BPF constitution 20.6.4 states that in cases of emergency, the president can take action in the interest of the party pending review by the national congress. When contacted for comment, UDC spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa said: "Hardly 10 minutes after we received the letter that you are asking about, signed by the BPF president, we got this enquiry from you.
The UDC NEC is meeting on Friday the 13th of April and the contents of the letter will be discussed there. "So for now, out of respect for the BPF leadership and membership we have nothing to say."