Tensions flare at BPF congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday October 8, 2025 06:01
The party is expected to convene to elect the new National Executive Committees in Serowe next month (November) and this was part of the process to prepare for that elective congress.
BPF’s Central Region comprises four constituencies being the three in Serowe-area and Palapye.
According to the party's constitution, a total of 63 delegates from the constituencies are expected to participate in regional congresses.
However, sources from within the party say tensions escalated when some members challenged the legitimacy of the Palapye delegation.
“Some concerned members argued that Palapye delegates should be disqualified from voting since they were not properly elected,” revealed a source close to the matter.
“Others, however, felt they should be allowed to participate, citing that the delay in receiving information about the congress prevented them from following the official selection process.”
The disagreements intensified, nearly leading to physical altercations, as several members threatened to boycott the proceedings if Palapye delegates were excluded. Despite the standoff, a resolution was reached.
Confirming the incident, BPF National Organising Secretary, Leapetswe Lesedi, acknowledged the dispute and affirmed that the Palapye delegation was ultimately barred from voting due to non-compliance with the party’s constitutional procedures.
“They admitted that they had not followed the proper nomination process, which was due to late communication regarding the congress,” Lesedi explained.
“Whilst some individuals did walk out in solidarity with the Palapye team, the congress continued as the quorum had already been met.”
According to the BPF constitution, a minimum of 30 delegates is required to form a quorum for the congress to proceed. Lesedi confirmed that this threshold was surpassed, allowing the event to continue without disruption.
As a result, elections for the Central Region leadership were successfully held, with delegates from the Serowe constituencies duly elected to their respective positions.
Despite the rocky start, the congress concluded with the party maintaining due process and that the decisions taken were in line with its constitutional guidelines.