BDP strategises ahead of national elections
Proposes an increase of SEMPs from 6 to 10 Bars office bearers from seeking national election positions
Botswana Democratic Party ( BDP) has resolved to propose to increase the number of Specially Elected MPs from 6 to 10.
The resolution was taken during the party’s National Council and ExtraOrdinary Congress. BDP Secretary General, Kavis Kario said this increase will be in line with the increase in the number of constituencies from 57 to 61.
Sharing the resolutions with the media, Kario stated that Article 10 of the Code of Conduct for Candidates of Primary Elections was amended to prescribe that prospective candidates of primary elections, who are also office bearers in the Youth and Women’s Wings, Regional Committees, and Sub- committees of the Central Committee should resign from their positions, save for Chairpersons of the National Youth Executive Committee and Women who are members of the central committee by virtue of their positions. Kario indicated that it was resolved that the raising of appeals against primary elections results must strictly commence in writing using a prescribed form to be developed and approved by the Central Committee.
“These resolutions represent a significant step forward in the BDP’s commitment to a progressive and inclusive government, forging pathways to innovation and efficiency. In alignment with the President’s address, the BDP celebrates the achievements of government,” he said, among others citing, the COVID- 19 impact relief programs, economic recovery, mining and minerals beneficiation, land reform, creative industries, and youth empowerment.
According to Kario, the BDP journey is one of relentless action and progress, “and we shall adhere to our promise to work tirelessly to transform ideas into tangible outcomes. We remain dedicated to a prosperous and sustainable future for Botswana, leading the na
tion towards high- income status.”
The 59th National Council and Extraordinary Congress of the Botswana Democratic Party were held under the theme, ‘ Unity and Growth – Our Journey to High Income Status,’ which symbolises our commitment to advancing Botswana from an Upper Middle Income country to a High Income nation. Kario stated that the theme resonates with their achievements and aspirations as they unite under one banner to pursue inclusive governance, innovation, and operational efficiency.
He said the National Council has endorsed proposals by the Central Committee aimed at enhancing inner party democracy, addressing major social issues impacting Botswana, and preparing the BDP for victory in the 2024 elections.
“The Party resolved to gear- up and prepare for the 2024 General Elections. The Party advises the government to review the Youth Development Fund and consider preferential treatment for
youth domiciled on agricultural zoning, with enhanced monitoring,” he stated and further read out other resolutions including, advising government and parastatals to improve their invoice settlement turnaround time to at least one week in order to improve private sector viability.
The Party also called on the government and private sector to come up with initiatives that can accommodate and advance citizen- owned businesses, especially youth and women owned businesses, said the Secretary General.
Kario revealed that they welcomed the conclusion of the constitutional review consultations and recommitted to support the next steps of the national constitutional review.
Government ministers were also implored to engage more with Party structures and to elaborate on government programs and policies. Further, the Party will invite all interested or potential primary election candidates to register their interest as a basis for commencing consensus building.