BDP elections setback brews discontent
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 27, 2025 16:00
Subsequently, they have raised a strong objection to the actions of party president, Mokgweetsi Masisi and his central committee (CC). The members, who openly criticised the party on social media, claim that Masisi and the CC should refrain from engaging with regional committees. Their argument is that the ongoing regional meetings are an attempt to sway voters ahead of the upcoming party's elective congress. The members contend that the party leadership no longer holds a valid mandate to conduct these outreach efforts, especially with their term nearing its end. According to the concerned members, the engagements are an attempt to secure support for specific candidates in the upcoming leadership contest. They believe that the current CC is incapable of acknowledging criticism or understanding the underlying issues that contributed to the party's electoral defeat, primarily due to internal conflicts. Over the weekend, the CC held a meeting in Kang to gather feedback from party members. Sources revealed that a significant concern raised during the gathering was the perception that the leadership was not listening to the membership.
One source explained: 'Members feel that the party leadership has failed them. They hold the CC responsible for delaying the primary elections, which they believe was a key factor in the party's poor performance.' Additionally, party unity emerged as another critical concern. Members are calling for efforts to regain cohesion within the party ranks and address the growing discontent. However, in contrast to these accusations, BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse defended the leadership’s actions. 'We are aware of the concerns raised by party members,' he acknowledged.
'However, members must understand that the party cannot operate in a vacuum at the presidency. The party president, along with the CC, has the right to engage with the membership.' Kentse further clarified that the mandate given to the CC during last year’s congress at Tlokweng is still in effect, and it is essential for the leadership to engage with members to understand the reasons behind the party’s electoral setback. He stressed that no party president could approach the congress without addressing these issues first. He further emphasised that the party’s constitution grants the CC the authority to hold meetings with members. He firmly rejected the notion that the CC was campaigning for specific leadership candidates, urging instead that party members focus on fostering unity rather than deepening divisions. 'It is crucial for party members to prioritise unity,' Kentse said, 'rather than further splintering the party.' As tensions simmer within the BDP, the leadership's next steps will be pivotal in determining the party's future direction and stability.
According to the party constitution, some of the CC functions include, to supervise the day-to-day implementation of party policies and programmes, as directed by the national council. In addition, clause 31.1.2 of the party constitution also state that it regulates and controls activities of all organs of the party, subject to the further provisions contained herein, and to set membership and subscription fees. Moreover, it is to ensure that records of all party activities are properly kept, including proper accounting records, at all levels of party organisation. The CC function amongst others is to summon regular or extra-ordinary meetings of the national council and national congress. It has responsibility to take action to protect the security and development of the party and the State. Additionally, creates and administers such administrative structure at the party national headquarters as may facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of the party. The functions of the president of the party is to be the principal spokesperson of the party on national and international affairs.Again, he convenes meetings of the central committee and when the party is in power, be State President. He also presides over meetings of the central committee.
Furthermore, he gives instructions on any matter to any official of the party and empower any member of the party to exercise any powers or specific functions for and on behalf of the party or central committee as may be valid and lawful. The constitution also gives him power in exceptional circumstances, as specified in the disciplinary rules of the party, to suspend any member of the party for up to 60 days on the grounds of such member’s behaviour pending action by the disciplinary committee. The president also presides over the proceedings of the final disciplinary committee comprising four other members of the party appointed by him/her to hear appeals from the disciplinary committee of the central committee.
However, the constitution states that these members shall not include members of the central committee and the decision of the final disciplinary committee shall be final and binding.