UDC direct members clash with party leadership

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday June 3, 2025 10:06

The majority of political parties are going for their congresses or conferences in July this year. According to the party leadership, such gatherings are not supported by the party's constitution, leaving direct members feeling politically stranded and underrepresented. Tensions came to a head earlier this year when a group of UDC direct members submitted a request to hold a national conference in July. Their proposal was met with a firm rejection by the NEC, which cited constitutional limitations as the basis for its decision.

This development has deepened the frustration among the group, many of whom argue that their concerns are routinely overlooked by the party hierarchy. Currently, the UDC counts three Members of Parliament amongst its direct members. Unlike members affiliated with constituent parties under the UDC coalition, such as the Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana People's Party (BPP), and Alliance for Progressives (AP), direct members do not belong to any of these alliances. As a result, they find themselves without representation in the NEC, where each affiliate party has a voice through its secretary-general and chairperson. This structural disparity has sparked growing unrest amongst the direct members, who feel increasingly marginalised in the party’s decision-making processes. 'The UDC direct members are not catered for as compared to affiliates. There is no one who takes their grievances into consideration, especially when issues of resource allocation and constituency assignments arise,' said one concerned member, speaking on condition of anonymity.

'This was evident even during the primary elections. If these issues are not resolved soon, they could severely affect our performance in the upcoming general elections,' a source said. They argue that despite their loyalty and political investment, their lack of institutional representation leaves them vulnerable to internal politicking and power plays dominated by affiliate parties. Many say they have been left out of strategic decisions, including constituency and wards allocations, critical areas that directly influence electoral success. In an interview with one of the UDC attorneys, Joram Matomela on Tuesday, he said direct members have a right to contest for elections, to submit their complaints or concerns individually to the NEC or executive secretary. But they do not have the rights to mobilise and organise themselves as a structure, or interest group. They do not have rights similar to political parties because they have applied for their membership individually. Certain rights for individual members are not catered for in the constitution. When responding to the matter, the party's executive secretary, Dr Patrick Molutsi, recently issued a statement clarifying that the constitution does not permit direct members to hold independent conferences. According to Molutsi, 'While the UDC values all its members, including direct ones, the constitution must be respected. Any conference or political activity must be approved by and conducted under the authority of the NEC.” However, direct members argue that this rigid interpretation of the constitution undermines the very spirit of democratic inclusivity that the UDC claims to champion.

A letter dated April 22, 2025 from Dr Molutsi, reads; “Direct members are not allowed to organise themselves into a group because they joined as individuals. We can therefore, advise you not to hold such a conference until you have been advised by the UDC NEC accordingly. Meanwhile I have put your letter to the agenda of next UDC NEC meeting planned mid-May 2025.”