18 Feb 2014

Parliament  was, on February 14, divided over the motion calling for the facilitation of an inter-party dialogue by government, which was moved by Francistown South MP Wynter Mmolotsi.

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, argued that the mover was biased as he called for dialogue to discuss issues of concern such as ‘political reforms, unemployment, land and the dwindling economy’.

“We can achieve. We do have systems, institutions, instruments in place which have been developing over time to address the very challenges or opportunities as presented by MP Mmolotsi,” he said.

Mr Masisi said such systems had been growing over time in stature and had also been tested in terms of their latitude to tolerance and acceptance of those who might have different views.

The minister, who is also MP for Moshupa, however admitted that inter-party dialogue was important and should be promoted but it should also be premised on goodwill and sincerity. He said there were institutions that promoted inter-party dialogue, adding that when in Parliament they wereactually engaging in inter-party dialogue.

Minister Masisi said Botswana had a good record of tolerance saying unsavoury words had been traded in Parliament. He said political reforms continued to evolve and that there were alternatives to have inter-party dialogue such as the growth of the media which promoted inter-party dialogue.

Molepolole North MP, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, also dismissed the motion saying inter-party dialogue existed even during the Sir Ketumile Masire’s administration. He said the parties met to appoint election officials.    

Kanye North MP, Mr Kentse Rammidi said he supported the motion complaining that some motions were defeated as they were debated purely on political lines despite the fact that they were good.

He said party leaders should constantly meet to discuss issues of national importance, adding that inter-party dialogue could have helped to avert the public service strike.

MP for Okavango, Mr Bagalatia Arone said it was a fundamental democratic issue and that he did not understand why Botswana was seen to be a shining democracy in Africa when political parties were last engaged in dialogue in 2002.

Molepolole South MP, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe said inter-party dialogue was already provided for in the Constitution adding that although the framework did exist, it was not detailed. ENDS