However, it is yet to be seen whether the party president (also State President) would be challenged or not as he delivered government to the party in the 2024 polls. According to the BNF’s constitution, the party is required to hold an elective congress every two years to select its leadership. This tradition persists despite the current leadership's success in securing victories. However, the party enters this congress with several unresolved issues stemming from the leadership forum. One significant resolution from the forum dictates that individuals holding Cabinet positions should not simultaneously hold party positions. The rationale behind this is that dual roles may lead to a neglect of the constituency duties, as ministers would be over stretched by their responsibilities in government. Additionally, it was noted that Cabinet ministers have substantial workloads, especially with the commitments made by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a coalition to which the BNF is affiliated, within their manifesto promises to the public.
The BNF spokesperson, Tumelo Legase, provided further clarity and sated:"The elective congress will be held during the July holidays. We are still in the process of deciding on the venue and the central committee will meet in the first week of February to finalise the decision and formally communicate the venue." According to the party spokesperson, the central committee elections will feature 13 contested positions, although it is too early to confirm whether all positions will face competition or if some will remain uncontested.
