24 Apr 2017

Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has expressed disappointment at the sudden change of heart by opposition parties on the recently passed Electoral Amendment Bill of 2016 which among others paves way for the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines during elections.
Mr Ralotsia, who is also Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, said during a kgotla meeting in Moshana that the stance by opposition legislators was disheartening because the latter fully supported the idea right from the beginning.
“They have always been part and parcel of the formulation of this law including going abroad on a bench marking exercise with members of the ruling party and civil servants,” he said.

It has always been the conviction of both the ruling party and opposition, he said, adding that such a law should be enacted to speed up voting process and do away with human error such as spoilt votes.
He however said that Batswana needed not fear because the machine in question had been found to be not only reliable, but also easy to use elsewhere.
He cited Namibia as one example of the countries that had engaged the services of Electronic Voting Machines without a qualm.

Mr  Ralotsia said he emphatically supported Presidents Pensions and Retirement Benefit Benefits Amendment Bill 2016, The bill passed by the recent parliamentary session, delete section 6(2) of the original President’s (Pension and Retirement Benefits) Act, which made provision for the suspension of the pension and benefits of a former head of state, who subsequently either directly or indirectly holds any paid office, be it in public or private employ.
Scrapping away section 6(2) of the Act, according to the Kanye North lawmaker, means the former head of state will continue to be paid pension or benefits due to him  under the Act even if they find employment upon retirement as is the case with other retirees.
Mr Ralotsia said this would provide former heads of state with an opportunity to share acquired knowledge and skill with both the nation and international community, thereby contributing to the common good of humanity.
The Amendment bill grants  to former Presidents on a case by case basis, access to the use of any government owned mode of transport as deemed by the sitting President.

He stated that contrary to challengers of this piece of legislation, the law was not in any way tailor-made for President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama as any piece of legislation was subject to change from time to time.
“Countries like the United States of America are doing it. Why should we not do the same and take care of our own and accord them the dignity they deserve?” he asked rhetorically.
Commenting, one of the residents, Mr Ntehang Motlogelwa did not see anything wrong with the Presidents Pensions and Retirement Benefit Benefits Amendment Bill.
As such, Mr Motlogelwa gave the piece of legislation a green light. ENDS