Consequently, the BNF may not contest in the Serowe constituencies, where the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) holds a stronger position. At their conference held at Ledumang Senior Secondary School, the party resolved to contest in the majority of the 61 constituencies. However, in regions where they lack candidates or a robust regional base, the BNF and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) are committed to collaborating with other parties. "There is no need for us to contest in Serowe when we can help another party like the BPF to win easily. While we cannot compel our structures to follow this approach, we discussed the importance of cooperating with the BPF where necessary. Our differences should not make us enemies or distract us from our goals," said BNF spokesperson, Tumelo Legase. Legase added the BNF's decision might not be limited to the Serowe constituencies; it will depend on how members assess the situation in other areas. While the BNF does not have a formal agreement with the BPF, there is an informal cooperation between the two parties.
During the conference, BNF president Duma Boko urged members to work peacefully with other political parties and to engage or negotiate with them when necessary. Another resolution requires candidates to engage in constructive self-criticism as part of their education. Additionally, members were encouraged to uphold high levels of discipline. It was also resolved discipline be enforced for candidates who avoid criticism. Furthermore, the party resolved that it must review and evaluate its code of conduct, implementing a people-centred approach to conflict resolution. Additionally, BNF wants lower structures to be empowered to make tough or serious decisions on disciplinary matters. "Members are concerned about the need to review the party's code of conduct due to widespread indiscipline. They believe that the powers given to lower structures are not stringent enough. Another issue is the need for a conflict resolution mechanism to effectively handle various cases," the spokesperson said.
