09 Dec 2020

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Eric Molale says the proposed Constitution (amendment) Bill, 2020 (Bill No.14 of 2020) is one of the promises that the BDP-led government made to Batswana prior to elections.

In his contribution to the debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Molale, who is also MP for Goodhope/Mabule, said Constitution amendment was part of their agenda items as a party that is governed by consultation and proper governance.

He accused the opposition of the habit of somersaulting on their earlier decisions as they did with the electronic voting machine.

He said in the past, Parliament’s law reform committee opposition members were part of those who consulted about contents of the motion and they were in agreement.

He said the current crop had no principle and were safeguarding self-interest.

MP for Bobonong, Mr Taolo Lucas said there seemed to be a hidden agenda behind the Constitution (amendment) Bill given its sudden presentation.

He said the Bill as stated by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng, came as a result of the adoption of former MP Gladys Kokorwe’s motion entitled, Tenure of Office of Members of Parliament and Councillors, which was tabled during the 7th Parliament.

He said the Bill was a piece of legislation that was meant to protect those in power and to give them total control over others.

He said the nation was on the eve of a constitutional review and it was surprising why the proposed amendment was prioritised above other important sections such as electoral reforms and tribal equality.

He appealed to Parliament to go back to constituents for proper consultation.

MP for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape supported the bill and said its whole intention was to ensure Parliament was taken with the seriousness it deserved.

He said following consultations with Batswana, it was clear they were on total agreement with the matter.

Dr Kwape said proper consultation process was followed as indicated by the recent referral of the Bill to Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

MP for Mahalapye East, Mr Yandani Boko said the electioneering process was an expensive and unnecessary process against the current economic strain.

He said the constitution was a sacred document, which all laws took legitimacy from and not like any other act of Parliament.

He said the amendment deserves a sober treatment, adding that it had to get legitimacy from the populace, not to be the preserve of the 57 members of Parliament.

Mr Boko said the ruling party was not focusing on developments, but how to remain in power.

For his part, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Tumiso Rakgare said Ntlo ya Dikgosi members  as authorities in their respective merafe, were unanimous in agreeing to the proposed Bill.

Mr Rakgare, who is also MP for Mogoditshane, said the BDP made a promise to bring the Bill to the house and they were delivering on their mandate.

MP for Serowe North, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said the Bill was delayed justice.

He said it was done to protect the interest of the ruling party.

Mr Mathoothe said the presentation of the Bill was a bad democratic exercise that was done to serve individual interests.

He said the voters had already declared their preferred candidates with any legislation.

He said BDP made several promises that were unfulfilled and were afraid of losing membership, hence the presentation of the Bill.

He said most councillors and other members of the ruling party had lost confidence in their party and wanted out.

He said those elected and wanted to move out did not ‘steal’ votes, but wanted a new home. ENDS