Chaos disrupts BPF league elections
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday September 3, 2025 10:16
What was scheduled to be a smooth evening of elections quickly spiralled out of control, as allegations of cheating and confusion over procedures led to the destruction of ballot boxes and the abrupt suspension of voting. The congresses, initially slated to begin at 4 pm, were significantly delayed, only kicking off around 9 pm. The late start was reportedly due to prolonged debates and a heated question-and-answer session following the Secretary-General’s and Treasurer’s reports.
However, just as the electoral process was about to commence, the election officer made a controversial announcement: the guidelines for the elections had been developed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) since the two leagues do not have their own constitutions. This revelation immediately sparked dissent amongst delegates. One of the main points of contention was the delegate list. A team led by Lesego Keorapetse strongly objected to using delegates from the party’s conference list rather than those specifically designated for the congress. This disagreement took a dramatic turn as they claimed that a team led by Thabang Kopelo wanted to cheat. Speaking in an interview the following day, one of the youth league presidential contenders, Lesego Keorapetse, who was contesting, recounted the chaotic events.
“We didn’t vote because of what happened in the hall. Election officers said their lives were in danger after some members destroyed the ballot boxes,” he said. “We couldn’t agree to the use of the voters’ roll, especially considering the flawed manner in which both the conference and congress were conducted.” He went on to emphasise that no quorum had been formed, a point he claims was ignored. “The conference just decided that elections should proceed, regardless. That’s why we said the voters’ roll couldn’t be valid under those circumstances.” Kopelo told The Monitor that there is no truth that their team was favoured. 'Our team was outside when all this drama happened because we had been asked as a youth league to go and talk if we cannot compromise. We were waiting for the other team,” he said. The Women’s League presidential race also suffered a similar fate. One of the presidential contenders, Gaolathe Molefane, expressed disappointment at the disruption. “Voting didn’t continue due to the harassment that took place inside the hall,” she said. “It’s embarrassing for some members to conduct themselves in that manner. This kind of behaviour damages the image of our party.”
Molefane confirmed that the NEC would determine the next steps, as the elections were abruptly halted and members were forced to leave around midnight without casting their votes. According to her, only four constituencies had managed to vote before the situation descended into chaos. Another Women’s League presidential candidate, Pinie Morupisi, echoed these sentiments. She expressed concern over the legitimacy of the process and the lack of communication. “We hope both congresses can resume soon, but ultimately, the NEC will have to decide. To be honest, that conference didn’t form a quorum, and there was no proper communication with the party structures,” she said. Efforts to get from NEC became unsuccessful as they had been in a meeting on Sunday morning till evening. Asked about the developments, party president Mephato Reatile said the issue is handled by party Secretary-General Lawrence Ookeditse. 'It is true elections didn't proceed. We are waiting for the Election Committee report. The matter is internal and under investigation,' Ookeditse said upon enquiry. Now, all eyes are on the NEC as members await a resolution and new dates for the elections. Meanwhile, Saturday night's events have left a dark cloud hanging over the BPF’s internal democratic processes, raising serious questions about the party’s preparedness, leadership, and unity.