Rakops residents said at meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga on Monday that  by the look of things so far, Batswana across were sharing same sentiments of the idea of having a Constitutional Court as a welcome development, however being of the view that it was not an urgent matter, hence could wait, given the current state of the economy.

Mr Batsweletse Kgagamedi said government should listen to Batswana on this matter, adding that no one was against the ConCourt, rather many were skeptical about the timing.

He suggested that for now, existing court structures and laws could be revised to effectively and efficiently deal with matters confined to the ConCourt.

Mr Kgagamedi was also of the view that a holistic approach to the constitutional review must be applied to undertake the exercise, than take the piece meal approach as that would be costly to the government.

Ms Bashingi Boingotlo also concurred on the budget aspect, noting that given the country’s gloomy economy, the Constitutional Court establishment was going to be a burden.

Another speaker, Mr Justice Tshekiso, highlighted that Constitutional review should have precedence and some of the amendments be made before establishment of the Constitutional Court.

He also noted that there was need for intensified public education on the difference between ConCourt and the Constitution.

Mr Ookeditse Dirang said this Constitutional Court project seemed rushed, while also suggesting that existing laws be reviewed to cater for any cases of violation of constitutional rights of citizens.

Meanwhile, in his address,  Mr Nyatanga, said though many questioned government’s priorities particularly on the issue of establishment of the ConCourt, the Umbrella for Democratic Change was still committed to fulfilling items explicitly spelt out in the party’s manifesto.

He emphasised the importance of the establishment of a Constitutional Court, saying that in some instances, the government was found to be violating constitutional rights of citizens.

Mr Nyatanga further highlighted that reviewing the constitution could be a lengthy exercise that might find matters or cases for the Constitutional Court in the country lagging behind if not established now.ENDS