The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has warned its members that anyone who disrespects and undermines the authority of the party leadership will face disciplinary hearing.
This comes after one of the BCP activists Phagenyana Phage vowed that they would not be forced to join the unity of opposition parties by party leaders without first being consulted.
“We caution members to exercise restraint and express their opinions internally in accordance with the party’s constitution, rules, regulations and traditions. We urge all our members to respect the leadership of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and use appropriate and acceptable language in political rallies and other forum,” BCP spokesperson Dithapelo Keorapetse said.
“Members who deliberately violate political discipline or the constitution by publicly contradicting the views of the party, disrespect and undermine the authority of the leadership and bring the party into disrepute will face disciplinary action,” he said. The BCP spokesperson distanced the party from the sentiments that were expressed by Phage at the Bobonong rally.
“The position of the party is that Botswana can and must be better and that opposition cooperation is a panacea for dislodging the BDP and ushering in a new national order. We caution members to exercise restraint and express their opinions internally in accordance with the party’s constitution, rules, regulations and traditions.”
He said the party has adequate internal structures such as cells, wards, constituencies, regions, central committee, executive, leadership forum and conference where divergent opinions can be debated in accordance with intra-party democracy.
Keorapetse pointed out that action could only be taken if an investigation has been done and a disciplinary committee has determined the case in accordance with the constitution and the rules of natural justice.
