01 Mar 2022

Batswana should not be eager to endorse the proposal for direct election of the president as that would be a harbinger of the end of democracy and political stability in Botswana. 

Mr Joseph Thebe said this as residents of Ntlhantlhe, Ranaka, Lekgolobotlo, Magotlhwane and Kgomokasitwa made their submission to the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into Review of the Constitution consultative meeting in Ntlhantlhe Tuesday morning. 

Mr Thebe argued that political influence should not cause the nation to make irrational and misleading decisions. 

Instead, he said, Batswana should learn from other countries what direct election has done to them over time. 

Mr Thebe said countries that had adopted the system faced serious challenges, which included among others, coups and oppressive presidents. 

Not only would Batswana be throwing away their democracy, but they would also have to give the president a great lead of powers that he or she could abuse whenever not in agreement with the populace. 

Mr Thebe contended that direct appointment bred dictators and presidents that habitually refused to take advise from the people citing. 

In fact history had shown that this type entrusted the use of police and military forces to stomp down on dissenters. “…ga ana bogakolodi, ke lesole le lepodisi mo seterateng.” 

He said often the president could not introduce needed reforms if his party were in the minority. 

“Ko America maabane jaana, go ne go tlhophiwa Rre Biden, ba opposition ba ne ba eme ba mo kganna a batla go dira ditlhabololo ebe ba ema ka ene, ba mo itsa ka gore go na le dikomiti tse di kgatlhanong nae,” meaning that in America when President Biden rose to power, the opposition denied him access to make his intended reforms, under the guise there were committees that were opposed to him. 

Mr Thebe said Botswana’s way of appointing its president had so far worked well for the country it never failed the nation. 

Another resident Mr Ronald Moshaga said once the president’s term of service lapsed, the vice-president should not rise to power automatically, but parliament should vote for the incoming president. 

He also suggested that members of parliament and councilors should serve for a maximum two terms and should have proper qualifications. 

Mr Mothibedi Mothibedi of Ranaka also indicated that direct election of the president hindered political stability. 

He said during the time of president Bill Clinton, the republicans outweighed the democrats in numbers. 

Since president Clinton was a democrat the republicans denied approval of his budget and he had to use his powers to sanction it. 

On a different issue, Ms Joyce Seaitsoketsa said the constitution should have sex offenders that violate under aged children castrated or sentenced to life imprisonment. 

Ms Ellen Orekeng said the constitution review should consider making it mandatory for the government to carry out DNA tests on children at birth so they grow up knowing who their real parents were. 

When supporting her Ms Agisang Keiteile said the cost of DNA should be borne by the government, as it was too high for ordinary people to afford. 

Mr Motshegetsi Makwa of Lekgolobotlo he said local councils should be constitutionalised and given executive powers. 

He also wanted the House of Chiefs to be given legislative powers and be at the same level with three arms of government. ENDS