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.
The BNF aims to hold regional campaigns, correspondingly inviting collaboration amongst candidates to launch jointly in order to make the most of the short time available. Meanwhile, the BNF also made a resolution requesting that UDC direct members should be encouraged to take memberships of fraternal parties of the UDC. When commenting on the matter, Legase said the BNF cannot dictate to UDC how to run its affairs but it could rather advise them on how they view some issues. “The members feel that there will be misunderstanding going forward between fraternal parties and the UDC direct members. Some believe that already there are issues that are not easily addressed because of the gaps between the UDC direct members and fraternal parties. The members want the UDC to look into the matter,” he said. The conference also resolved to adopt the UDC launch of candidates and activate structures to campaign and win most constituencies, especially those allocated to the BNF to forge and ensure victory in the October 2024 General Election.
