Mmegi

BNF internal elections face challenges

Recurring challenge, particularly the confusion around voters roll, continues to disrupt internal democracy within the BNF.. PIC MORERI SEJAKGTOMO
Recurring challenge, particularly the confusion around voters roll, continues to disrupt internal democracy within the BNF.. PIC MORERI SEJAKGTOMO

The recently concluded elective congresses for the Botswana National Front (BNF) have once again laid bare the party’s persistent electoral shortcomings, underscoring the urgent need for a dedicated elections committee and an independent electoral board.

This recurring challenge, particularly the confusion around the voters' roll, continues to disrupt internal democracy within the party. Throughout the three congresses, the Women’s League, Youth League, and the main party central committee elections, disputes over access to the voters' roll and allegations that certain members were deliberately removed from the rolls dominated proceedings. The concerns have not only cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the results but also sparked tensions in various constituencies.

Had the BNF established a functional elections committee beforehand, many of the disputes could have been avoided. A properly structured electoral board would have ensured that voter rolls were prepared well in advance, properly verified, and made accessible to members and delegates before each congress.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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