29 Nov 2021

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Dumelang Saleshando has tabled a motion calling on the National Assembly to declare that it has no confidence in the government of the day.

The motion, he said, was in accordance with Section 92 of the Constitution of Botswana.

Tabling the motion, Mr Saleshando, who is also Maun West MP, argued that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has, since his assumption of office, failed to uphold the oath of office and to deliver on his promises.

He said the nation had lost confidence in President Masisi and his government and called upon the President to resign because he had violated his oath.

“Tautona ga a kgone go busa e bile re latlhegetswe ke tshepho mo go ene. Ke sone se ke reng a ithole marapo,” said Mr Saleshando.

The loss of confidence in the President, he said, had been brought about by several factors among which he cited the President’s interest in accumulating wealth and not addressing issues of national interest amidst the pandemic.

“President Masisi, during his inauguration, took oath that he would set aside his personal interests and direct his atmost attention to serve the citizenry and uplift their livelihoods, something he failed to live up to when he openly contested against ordinary Batswana for the acquisition of Banyana Farms,” he said.

He also accused President Masisi of transferring government assets to individual ownership, citing Banyana Farms and his involvement in business deals with some of the country’s prominent entrepreneurs.

He said it was disappointing that some cabinet members defended President Masisi’s bid to own Banyana Farms despite the added advantage he had on his competitors. Mr Saleshando said the nation had also lost confidence in the judicial system since the Chief Justice was a presidential appointee.

 He said the recent appointment of the Chief Justice was questionable as it excluded competent and experienced members of the judicial bench. ºFurthe, Mr Saleshando accused the government of failing to address corruption cases, saying the vice would always thrive as long as oversight institutions were not independent.

The Constitution of Botswana, under Section 92, provides that ‘if the National Assembly at any time passes a resolution supported by a majority of all the Members of the Assembly who are entitled to vote declaring that it has no confidence in the Government of Botswana, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the fourth day following the day on which such a resolution was passed, unless the President earlier resigns his or her office or dissolves Parliament. BOPA