Speaking to The Monitor on Monday, BNF Chairperson Moses Bantsi confirmed that the party’s Central Committee (CC) will be engaging directly with local party members and structures to address growing concerns around the number of individuals expressing interest in contesting. According to Bantsi, the constituency has already concluded the Expression of Interest process, with five members indicating their willingness to represent the BNF should they succeed in the party's primary elections. “Indeed, the constituency has completed the necessary party processes. So far, five people have come forward. As the Central Committee, we view this as a relatively high number. We intend to meet with these aspirants and local structures to encourage unity and possibly seek compromise,” Bantsi explained. However, he was quick to acknowledge that whilst the party encourages members to find common ground, it cannot impose decisions. “We can only negotiate with them; they may accept or reject our appeal. What matters most is following the party guidelines and maintaining discipline,” he said.
Importantly, Bantsi emphasised that the BNF will not tolerate smear campaigns or actions that damage the party’s image. He stressed that internal competition must remain healthy and within ethical bounds. Once the internal processes are complete, Bantsi noted, the chosen candidate’s name will be forwarded to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), under which the BNF is affiliated. It will then be the UDC’s responsibility to lead the campaign for the by-election. As for the five aspirants, Bantsi declined to reveal their names, citing ongoing negotiations. “The number might drop after our meeting. We will only release the names when we are confident that those remaining are committed to going to the primaries and unwilling to compromise,” he said. He concluded by saying, “The ultimate focus should be on retaining the constituency. That’s the bigger picture”.
