BCP warns members against premature campaigning
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 30, 2026 06:00
The BCP secretary-general, Goretetse Kekgonegile, has cautioned party members against engaging in premature campaigning, stressing that the official electoral process has not yet begun.
Speaking in an interview with Mmegi on Tuesday, Kekgonegile said it was both surprising and concerning that some members were deliberately going against the party constitution despite being fully aware of its provisions.
He emphasised that no individual is above the party’s guiding principles, noting that adherence to the constitution is fundamental to maintaining order and fairness within the party. According to Kekgonegile, the recent developments suggest a growing trend of indiscipline, which, if left unchecked, could undermine the integrity of the party’s internal processes.
Furthermore, he clarified that the writ of elections, which formally signals the start of the campaign period, has not yet been issued.
He explained that the writ is expected to be released in mid-April, in line with the party’s constitutional requirement for a three-month notice before elections. The BCP is targeting July 17, 2026, for its elective congress, making the timing of the writ a critical step in the process.
While acknowledging that interest in contesting leadership positions is inevitable, Kekgonegile drew a clear line between preparation and active campaigning. He noted that although members may be positioning themselves for potential contests, any form of lobbying or canvassing for support before the official announcement remains unauthorised. At the same time, he pointed out that names of potential candidates are already being circulated within party structures, a development he described as informal and premature. He stressed that until the writ is officially published, the party does not recognise any candidates, and therefore any campaign-related activities fall outside the rules.
In addition, Kekgonegile highlighted that the party’s election regulations explicitly prohibit campaigning before the writ is issued.
These regulations, he said, are designed to create a level playing field for all aspiring candidates and to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in an orderly and transparent manner.
Any deviation from these guidelines, he warned, compromises the credibility of the process. Moreover, he cautioned that members who disregard these rules risk facing serious consequences, including disqualification from contesting. He further stressed that aspiring candidates are not only accountable for their own actions but also for those of their supporters.
“This means that any premature campaigning carried out by campaign teams or allies could also be used against the candidates themselves,” he said. Kekgonegile also said it is important to maintain discipline and unity within the party, particularly during a period that typically attracts heightened political activity.
In addition, he referenced the party’s code of conduct, which calls for clean, respectful and issue-based campaigning among members, once the official process begins. He urged those interested in contesting positions, as well as their supporters, to exercise patience and restraint, emphasising that respecting party processes is essential for preserving unity.
According to him, failure to adhere to these principles not only undermines the constitution but also risks creating unnecessary divisions within the party. Meanwhile, the growing speculation around potential candidates reflects increasing political activity within the BCP as it prepares for its 2026 elective conference.
Such developments, while expected in the lead-up to internal elections, have prompted the leadership to take a firm stance in order to safeguard the integrity of the process.
As the anticipated date draws closer, the party leadership appears determined to enforce its regulations and ensure that all members operate within the established framework.
For now, Kekgonegile’s message remains clear: the campaign period has not yet begun, and any member who ignores this directive does so at their own risk.