14 Feb 2019

Government has not identified the need to amend the law to allow for the direct election of the president, says the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Machana Shamukuni. Answering a question in Parliament, Mr Shamukuni stated that provision for the direct election of the president was a major political reform, adding however, that notwithstanding government had resuscitated the All Party Conference to provide a forum for political parties to discuss political reforms. He said in the few meetings held so far with representatives from political parties, many issues had been identified and recommended to government for consideration.

The assistant minister said the All Party Conference provided an ideal avenue for deliberation of issues such as that of the direct election of president. Mr Shamukuni explained however that the direct election of the president would require the amendment of the constitution. Lobatse legislator Advocate Sadique Kebonang had asked if there were plans to introduce direct election of the president, and if not why. ENDS