04 Dec 2021

The Party Liaison Committee (PLC) intends to actively put itself in a position to be recognised by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration in order for the members  to receive sitting allowances.

This was a principal issue for the committee during a meeting on Thursday at Francistown's Ntshe House.

Principal elections officer for Francistown cluster, Ms Claire Malikongwa applauded Kanye cluster for being proactive in paving a way to get the required recognition. She said Kanye cluster has previously sent the letter to the IEC secretary, but the response was that the committee is still a legally constitutioned structure.She said PLC deserves the courtesy given to any other committees due to the significance and its relevance in the election processes.

"In this issue, politics are not relevant as they would hinder the progress of the committee, rather we should work together towards a common goal," she added.

She further emphasised how working together with other clusters would be more effective and encouraged the motive of establishing an umbrella PLC.

The chief elections officer for Francistown cluster, Ms Pelonomi Kwaramba said the five clusters have 25 offices, which can be influential and heard when raising one voice. 

"This means the committe has no legal permission or recognition in doing anything inpactful eventhough it has been around and making a huge difference," she added.

Ms Kwaramba, who got into office mid August, said resources are not permitting for every PLC to stand on its own when they can come together. She encouraged appointing some active members from each cluster, who will represent the whole PLC countrywide working on a presentation to be presented to the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration or the IEC secretary.

Supporting the idea was the Botswana Democratic Party Francistown South branch chairperson, Mr Uyapo Marobela, adding that the committee should make its mandate and relevance clear when approaching the relevant authorities. He said PLC clusters jointly submitting a letter for recognition is the only way towards Constitutional review and subsequent 'legalisation' of the committee.

Aliance for Progressives central committee regional coordinator, Ms Theresa Mmolawa emphasised the need for the IEC to ensure that the committee is recognised. She said if this does not happen it will lead to the dissolution of the committee. With sitting allowances challenge not being a new one, she said there are no more excuses as to why the committee has not atleast presented itself before the Minister. Ends