BDP members forfeited rights at 41st elective congress

While the congress was convened under the authority of the former president, who had rightfully used his powers to call for an elective meeting the proceedings deviated from the expected agenda. Originally, the congress was planned solely for elections. However, the outgoing Central Committee opted to incorporate a closed session to present key reports, a component traditionally reserved for a normal congress. During the closed session, significant presentations were made. The then-secretary-general, Ngaka Ngaka, delivered the “State of the party” report, outlining the current standing and internal affairs of the BDP.

In addition, the then deputy treasurer-general Jagdish Shah presented the party’s financial report, shedding light on the financial health and past expenditures. These reports, by nature, demanded scrutiny, reflection, and, most importantly, robust engagement from the delegates.However, what unfolded next was a missed opportunity of great consequence. Instead of interrogating the content of the critical reports as per their constitutional right, members chose to shift their attention prematurely toward the commencement of the elections.