22 May 2024

The Constitution Amendment Bill of 2024 which is currently under debate at the National Assembly, has received mixed reactions from legislators.

Contributing to the ongoing debate on Tuesday, Member of Parliament (MP) for Serowe North, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe expressed some reservations towards the Bill that was recently presented for second reading.

He said the proposed amendments did not capture all the concerns raised by Batswana during countrywide consultations.

Mr Mathoothe was of the view that some of the amendments did not align to some of Batswana’s aspirations, but of the ruling party.

The Serowe North legislator was against the introduction of a clause seeking to disqualify former Presidents from active politics after serving 10 years and preventing Specially Elected MPs from holding office when they changed political allegiance after election.

However, in support of the Bill, Kgalagadi North MP, Ms Talita Monnakgotla stated that thorough consultations were carried and opportunity given to leaders, interest groups and the public to make submissions, either as groups or individuals.

Ms Monnakgotla commended the commission of inquiry on constitutional review for carrying out a comprehensive review exercise, which captured Batswana’s concerns and aspirations and subsequently delivering the report to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

In keeping with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) commitment to promote and ensure equal opportunities for all, Ms Monnakgotla observed that the proposed amendments aimed at enshrining the rights to health, education and work within the country’s Constitution.

She, therefore, expressed gratitude that the move would promote access to health and education by all, especially women and girls.

Mogoditshane MP, Mr Tumiso Rakgare, stated that the BDP, in the 2019 manifesto, promised Batswana a comprehensive constitutional review to align it with international standards.

“Here we are, delivering on that promise as stipulated in our manifesto,” said Mr Rakgare.

He also said the ruling party had committed to several empowerment initiatives, including the Citizen Economic Inclusion Act and the Public Procurement Act which had successfully been delivered.

The Mogoditshane MP said in fulfilling its mandate to improve the lives of Batswana, government had allocated over 96 000 plots so far, moving towards the target of 100 000 plots set by President Masisi.

In addition, Mr Rakgare noted that government had fulfilled several other promises, including upgrading sub-district councils to fully-fledged district councils, establishing the National Arts Council of Botswana and introducing Political Party Funding.

Serowe South MP, Mr Leepetswe Lesedi said the Bill did not reflect the true interests of Batswana.

Some recommendations from Batswana, he said were not included in the Commission’s report and the Bill.

Mr Lesedi further argued that one of the key recommendations was on the direct election of the President, saying it resonated with the majority of Batswana across the country. ENDS