Initially set for July, the congress will now take place soon, as announced by both the party's central committee (CC) and president Masisi on Tuesday. The decision follows calls from the BDP members urging the leadership to organise an extraordinary congress to elect new central committee members. However, the mandate of the CC was last year extended by a year at the party national congress that was held at Tlokweng. After the party’s defeat in the 2024 General Election, members began calling for the resignation of the party leadership to make way for a new committee, blaming them for the loss. In his announcement, Masisi said they are going to hold the congress earlier than the scheduled time. "All democrats willing to contest for Central Committee positions should adhere to party processes. No one will be allowed to deviate from these procedures.Additionally, members should read and understand the requirements outlined in the quotation," he said. He explained that the central committee made the decision after careful consideration, recognising that it would not be prudent to make long-term decisions as the current mandate nears its end. The incoming central committee, elected during the past congress, will be responsible for making decisions aimed at advancing the party. Furthermore, Masisi announced that the party's national council, Youth, and Women's Wing congresses will be held under the new leadership. He emphasised that the steps are intended to strengthen the party in preparation for the 2029 General Election.
He added: "The BDP remains strong and solid. No one should underestimate it. Consider our popular vote; it's only that our electoral system, First Past the Post, which we believed in, has disadvantaged us." Although party members appreciate the CC’s decision to take such action, they are now urging it to formally communicate the development to lower structures by sending written letters. According to a source, the formal communication would enable the members to be able to prepare for constituency and regional congresses in order to choose delegates. “Formal communication helps to guide the lower structures when they are preparing for their congresses. They should know what is wanted or required by the party,” a source revealed. According to party constitution article 26.2, the national congress shall meet ordinarily every two years, and shall meet in extra-ordinary when convened by the president of the party, or upon the requisition of a majority of the members of the national council. An extra ordinary national congress shall have the same powers as the ordinary national congress in respect of issues for which it was summoned.
