26 Feb 2019

 Parliamentarians have made suggestions pertaining to what could be done to enable Parliament to effectively discharge its mandate.

This follows a presentation of budget proposals for Parliament for the next financial year by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi on MFebruary 25.

Reacting to the presentation, MP for Nkange, Mr Edwin Batshu complained about the poor conditions of service of legislators, which he said soiled the reputation of Parliament.

Mr Batshu, who also decried the lack of independence of Parliament, also noted that the institution’s budget was too low to allow it to properly discharge its mandate.

On a positive note, he expressed contentment at the number of laws that had been passed during the current financial year.

Kanye South legislator, Mr Abram Kesupile also observed that Parliament was constrained by several factors in carrying out its mandate, citing among those, shortage of transport.

Further, he said it was worrying that Ntlo ya Dikgosi was allocated a tiny fraction of the budget for Parliament, despite the key role that the lower house played in strengthening Botswana’s democracy.

Mr Kesupile also noted that the minister should have informed Parliament on what had been achieved during the year under review; instead of just requesting for funds for the next financial year.

Mochudi East lawmaker, Mr Moagi Molebatsi also complained that Parliament was not truly independent.

He further concurred with other legislators that the institution grappled with shortages of key resources such as staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as transport.

Mr Molebatsi also expressed concern over the institution of Bogosi, saying it was being taken lightly.

Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, the MP for Mahalapye East, appealed to government to consider taking several key steps with the view to bettering the state of the nation.

Ms Tshireletso said it was necessary that the Electoral Act be amended to make a special provision for women to have a better representation in Parliament.

Decrying the constantly low numbers of women legislators, she said government needed to take deliberate steps to turn the status quo around as democracy would not be complete as long as women remained left out.

The lawmaker further reiterated calls for political party funding, saying it would help level the playing field and consequently enrich the country’s democracy.

Regarding the enactment as well as review of some laws, Ms Tshireletso called for the legalisation of abortion and for the scrapping off of bail for certain offences such as murder and rape. 

Specially elected MP, Mr Mephato Reatile raised a concern that often funds got used on things  for which they were not intended.

He said despite funds having been allocated for the live broadcasting of Parliament proceedings in the past, it was disappointing that the minister was not saying what had happened to the project.

Mr Reatile further expressed concern regarding allocation for the installation of security cameras in Parliament, saying the existing cameras encroached on MPs’ privacy as they picked voices and not only movements on the premises. After the debate, MPs voted in favour of the budget proposals for Parliament. ENDS