04 Nov 2019

The number of female MPs has risen to seven following yesterday’s endorsement of six specially elected members, four of them women.

Dr Unity Dow, Ms Peggy Serame, Ms Beauty Manake and Ms Phildah Kereng make up the female component of the Specially Elected MPs with Mr Kgotla Autlwetse and Mr Kefentse Mzwinila completing the set.

Three women have made it to Parliament by winning seats during the October 23 poll. 

The six were endorsed through secret ballot with each garnering more than 36 votes. Some MPs abstained while some votes were spoilt.

The 12th Parliament has two women more that the 11th which had three elected and two specially elected.

The six specially elected members were nominated by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in accordance with paragraph four of the First Schedule to the Constitution.

Election of specially elected MPs paves way for the swearing in ceremony of members scheduled for tomorrow.

Acting speaker, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi said during a press briefing on Sunday that proceedings to administer oath of office was guided by Parliament Standing Order 22. 

He said after being sworn-in, MPs could then assume their duties, the first being to elect the speaker.

Mr Molatlhegi said proceedings for  election of speaker would be conducted by Clerk of the National Assembly.

Following election of speaker, the house would then be required to endorse the vice president as nominated by the President in accordance with Section 39 of the Constitution.

 

Election of deputy speaker, presided over by the new speaker,  would follow, he explained. ENDS