However, it remains to be seen if any party member will step forward to challenge him for the presidency. Notably, Masisi faced challenges from Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi in 2019 for the coveted party presidency seat which was sparked by controversies and led to a legal battle. Typically, the party's special congress not only determines campaign strategies but also selects the individual who will be the public face during these campaigns. Furthermore, the congress identifies the person who will assume the party presidency if they win the elections. Although the BDP has 14 regional committees, it is important to note that all have nominated Masisi's name. Additionally, the BDP will launch its party manifesto at the congress.
Moreover, the congress serves as a test of the party's strength and readiness. However, even as the congress approaches this weekend, many are questioning whether the party is truly united. This is because the Central Committee (CC) is still making final decisions on all appeals brought forward by regional committees or individuals. Meanwhile, the party has already recorded a significant number of appeals arising from the results of the primary elections, known as Bulela Ditswe. The announcement was made by party president, Masisi, at the party stall during the Xere cultural event. "After the congress and manifesto launch, there will be a lot of noise. We will be busy campaigning and launching our candidates. Batswana should reflect on what we have accomplished for them," he said. "They should assess whether some of the claims are believable or not, and consider what can genuinely be achieved.
They should read all the manifestos and critically evaluate them. As the BDP, we have fulfilled the promises we made to Batswana in our 2019 manifesto." According to the BDP constitution, Article 29 reads: “When the party is in power, the president of the party shall be elected by secret ballot at a national congress of the party called by Central Committee during every general election year. Each region may nominate and submit one name of an aspirant candidate in good standing from any region to the secretary general not less than 24 hours before the commencement of the national congress.” It further gives the secretary-general the power to publish the names of the aspirant candidates on the notice board for the benefit of every delegate at the national congress. The constitution also states that in the event of a vacancy in the office of president of the party occurring at a time when the party is not in power, the chairperson of the party of the party shall act as president of the party until the next congress.
