BNF puts out constituency allocation fires
Botswana National Front (BNF) has received appeals for changes to constituency allocations and the party has resolved to work with all involved to provide accurate information and engage with voters to help them understand issues at stake.
Secretary General of the BNF, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, in a press conference held at their party house on Wednesday announced that the resolution was for the committee to hold discussions with the constituents of the BNF and UDC affiliates - the Alliance for Progressives (AP) and the Botswana People's Party (BPP) to promote a calm and productive working environment.
The goal is to cooperate and ensure success in the upcoming elections, despite any disagreements that may arise regarding the allocation of constituencies. Motshegwa said the objective was to bring calmness and stability to the constituencies and help build trust and cooperation among the parties involved.
He announced that a leadership consultative forum will be held in Tonota on February 10, 2024. The forum will provide a valuable opportunity for the party to discuss coalition politics, leadership opportunities, and ways to foster unity and cohesion.
This is a critical moment for the BNF, as it aims to demonstrate its readiness to take over government. The forum will be attended by BNF secretaries, women and youth leagues, regional and constituency chairpersons, and parliamentary and council candidates.
The forum's objectives include enhancing the understanding of its role in promoting and advancing the interests of the people of Botswana. “We want them to be ready to take over the government, they are the next government hence the leadership forum,” Motshegwa said.
The BNF has announced a special dispensation for women, youth, and marginalised groups to participate in primary elections. This special dispensation allows women who have won by-elections in the past five years to run unopposed in the primaries.
It also gives those who won council elections in 2019 the opportunity to compete with other women, youth, or people with disabilities in the same ward, in order to ensure a fair and democratic process.
The BNF has also announced that women who wish to participate in the primary elections will pay a reduced fee compared to men. This is part of the party's efforts to promote gender equality and encourage more women to participate in politics.
The BNF plans to hold its primary elections before March 31, 2024. Motshegwa explained that the party wants to give victorious candidates enough time to campaign before the general elections. So far, one woman has expressed interest in running for a parliamentary seat, and 50 women have expressed interest in running for council elections.
Motshegwa stated that the vetting process will begin soon, in order to select qualified and credible candidates who do not have a criminal record or a history of misusing funds. This process will ensure that only the best candidates are chosen to represent the BNF in the general elections. Motshegwa added that this is all part of the BNF's commitment to transparency and accountability.