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most common mandate period for BEC members is one or two years, but this varies from
country to country. In some countries, BEC members are elected every five years.
The role of the Branch Executive Committee is to build, lead and guide the Branch. People
volunteer to join a party and it is not always easy to find people that are willing to take on
tasks that can sometimes be both time-consuming and exposed. We must welcome the
involvement of members and support those who take on these responsibilities. Once
done, though, members have the right and responsibility to hold elected leaders
accountable for their work. It is an honor to be elected to represent the party membership.
It is also a sign of trust and any office bearer must take the leadership role seriously. If
leaders fail to fulfill their tasks, they must be held accountable.
The roles, responsibilities and powers of the BEC and its members should always be
spelled out in the party constitution. You need to check your party constitution and read
what it states on BECs.
The BEC makes decisions collectively, just like a Cabinet in Government. Tasks are
performed by different portfolios and each office bearer has the responsibility to see that it
is carried out in a way that can be accounted for. Openness, trust, respect and willingness
to compromise between the BEC members are key characteristics of an effective
committee.
The Branch is the lowest structure in the Party but the most important. Candidates for the
BEC should be clear about what it implies to be a local party leader – both in relation to
members and citizens, and in relation to other party structures. It is of course a great
opportunity to make the party strong and to help it develop, but there are no short-cuts to
these achievements.
Here is a short list of tasks for BEC-members:
Build strong Branches – support and develop activists in the Branch.
Initiate and perform Branch strategic planning and action programs.
Assess the Branch’s strengths and weaknesses.
Be the Party’s face and build partnerships with other groups in civil society as well
as with business when it is in our interest.
Have good knowledge and understanding of the dynamics in the community.
Be well-read about general politics and society, its functions and dynamics.
Be well-informed about the party: its history, developments and politics.
Keep records of members.
Collect the membership fee.