BDP wants five-year lifespan for committees

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 18, 2010 00:00

The BDP leadership, which met in Gaborone last weekend, recommended extending the life of committees from the current two years to five years.

But it could be some time before the recommendation comes to pass because it may have to be referred to the party's national congress next year, according to executive secretary, Comma Serema, in response to Mmegi.

Congress is the ultimate decision-making body of the BDP. If it is adopted, Serema added, the next central committee that will emerge from the elective congress next year would become 'the first to run for five years'.

But this recommendation was accompanied by a censorious one for recalling non-performing committees.'Party headquarters should respect structures, consult them and not simply instruct them,' Serema said.

 Other recommendations include branding the party, fundraising, reconciliation and party unity. Regarding Bulela Ditswe, the BDP agreed that the voters' roll should be prepared and completed ahead of primary elections, prior to the nomination of a candidate.

'All amendments to the voters' roll must be accompanied by an agreed method of establishing proof,' reads a statement on the recommendations.

'Vetting of candidates should commence at cell level, the electoral board shall be tasked with engaging a consultant to prepare a fool-proof primary elections management process and present findings at the next national council.'

Serema said yet other recommendations will be referred to the national council, which is also slated for next year.