14 Dec 2021

Parliament has rejected the motion of no confidence that the Leader of Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando had tabled against President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

A total of 45 MPs rejected the motion while 19 threw their weight behind it.

The last member to debate the motion, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang of Sefhare/Ramokgonami had supported the removal of the President from office, dismissing as baseless the argument advanced by some during the debate that since Batswana had given the President and his government the mandate to rule, they should be allowed to do so without interruption.

He said it was wrong for some MPs to have suggested that calling for the removal of the President was inappropriate and discourteous, arguing that such assertions were both unfounded and incorrect since the Constitution made a provision for such an exercise.

Accusing President Masisi of reckless spending of public funds, Dr Gobotswang said continuing under the former’s stewardship till the general elections in 2024 would spell doom for the country’s economy.

He said it was highly likely that whichever political formation would assume the mandate to lead the country at the elections would inherit an ailing economy as government coffers would have been depleted.

In response to the debate on the motion, its mover Mr Saleshando discredited President Masisi, accusing him of, among other things, having failed to show and uphold his sworn allegiance to Botswana’s Constitution.

Mr Saleshando said President Masisi had repeatedly advanced his personal interests ahead of those of the citizenry.

He argued that since assuming the presidency, Dr Masisi had been more focused on amassing personal wealth instead of safeguarding the interests and welfare of the nation.

The Leader of Opposition also accused the President of contributing to corruption becoming more prevalent in the country and further said he had abused his powers under the guise of the State of Public Emergency.

Moreover, Mr Saleshando labelled as poorly thought-out the president’s removal and replacement of certain cabinet ministers from their portfolios.

He cited those of Dr Lemogang Kwape from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Dr Thapelo Matsheka from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, describing their removal as grossly inapt as they had come at a time when the country was in the midst of fighting a health crisis and at the same time had to grapple with an uncertain economic future that the COVID-19 pandemic was bound to leave in its trail.

Mr Saleshando, therefore, contended that in light of the constant shortfalls in Dr Masisi’s handling of the presidency, it was fitting that he vacated office. ENDS