BNF’s impending elective congress: A litmus test
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday January 28, 2025 10:51
However, it is yet to be seen whether the party president (also State President) would be challenged or not as he delivered government to the party in the 2024 polls. According to the BNF’s constitution, the party is required to hold an elective congress every two years to select its leadership. This tradition persists despite the current leadership's success in securing victories. However, the party enters this congress with several unresolved issues stemming from the leadership forum. One significant resolution from the forum dictates that individuals holding Cabinet positions should not simultaneously hold party positions. The rationale behind this is that dual roles may lead to a neglect of the constituency duties, as ministers would be over stretched by their responsibilities in government. Additionally, it was noted that Cabinet ministers have substantial workloads, especially with the commitments made by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a coalition to which the BNF is affiliated, within their manifesto promises to the public.
The BNF spokesperson, Tumelo Legase, provided further clarity and sated:'The elective congress will be held during the July holidays. We are still in the process of deciding on the venue and the central committee will meet in the first week of February to finalise the decision and formally communicate the venue.' According to the party spokesperson, the central committee elections will feature 13 contested positions, although it is too early to confirm whether all positions will face competition or if some will remain uncontested.
He, however, said importantly to note was that, all positions, including the presidency, are open for challenge. 'Members are free to contest any position and if anyone wishes to challenge the sitting president, they are welcome to do so without any restrictions,' Legase emphasised. He said according to Section 12.8.1 of the BNF constitution, eligibility to contest any central committee position, including that of president, requires a minimum of three years of membership with the party.
At this stage, Legase confirmed that there is no knowledge of any existing lobby lists, but he acknowledged that it is common for members to begin lobbying for support and form lobby lists as the national congress approaches. As part of the BNF tradition, members are expected to engage in these activities as the congress draws nearer. Some of the resolutions of leadership forum that were made recently are that candidates for aspiring political positions be required to engage in constructive criticism and self-criticism as part of their education. Legase said discipline should also be entrenched and applied for candidates forgoing the criticism. “The BNF to forge dialogues and relations with religious groups and institutions as well as engage in international or global issues. The BNF reviews and evaluates its code of conduct and implement a people-centred approach to conflict resolution. Allow candidates to file appeals within one month of the conclusion of the primary,” he said.
They also said the UDC direct members should be encouraged to take memberships of fraternal parties of the UDC affiliates. It also resolved to adopt the UDC manifesto with amendments to encourage a people-centred approach with socio-economic inclusivity taking into cognisance the welfare of the people and use it as a monumental political and campaign tool.