The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has rescheduled its first annual youth congress without setting a future date. The postponement of the congress came after the National Executive Committee (NEC) convened in Gaborone last week.
BMD spokesperson, Merapelo Letebele, told Sunday Standard that the BMD National Executive Committee (NEC) met last Wednesday and prioritized the National Policy Assembly over the youth congress, which was initially scheduled for the end of April in Selibe Phikwe. She said a new date would be announced at a later stage while preparations continue.
She stated that Rhoda Sekgororoane and Moses Ntwaagae, the leaders of the task team for the congress, would identify others to work with, including six activists from the youth ranks.
“We encourage each and every BMD member to show interest in the elections and everyone is entitled to stand for any position,” said Letebele.
She further said the interim members who left the party were never elected by anybody to be in the committee, adding that they were there as interim members on a voluntary basis. She stated that in order for one to be in the National Executive Committee (NEC) or youth league, they have to be voted in at the congresses. According to Letebele, NEC reminds members to go about their campaigns with good conduct, respect for one another and exemplary decorum.
She further said all BMDYL positions are expected to be filled during elections at the congress.
“The cornerstone of democracy is elections and after the collapse of the interim committee we are ready to go for electing a concrete BMD youth league,” said Letebele.
She further revealed that the National Working Committee would determine the appropriate schedule for the youth elections. She added that they wished and hoped that all 57 constituencies would be represented at the progress, adding that more time was also needed to afford aspirants the opportunity to lobby and campaign for position of choice.
BMDYL positions include the President, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasure, Deputy Treasure, Deputy Secretary General, National organizing Secretary and Director of policy. The BMDYL congress would be the first since the formation of the party two years ago.
