27 Apr 2026

 Stronger collaboration between civil society and Parliament remains key in strengthening democracy and bridging the gap between citizens and state institutions in the country.

This was said by the National Assembly clerk, Dr Gabriel Malebang, in his welcome remarks during the official launch of the Bridging the Gap between Civil Society and Parliament project in Gaborone on Thursday.

Dr Malebang said the initiative that was launched under the theme, Strengthening Democratic Governance in Botswana, marked a significant step toward enhancing participatory democracy by fostering dialogue, accountability and inclusive governance.

He added that the project implemented in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity (BCPI), with support from the European Union, was a practical response to calls made during the Strategic Partnership Dialogue convened by Parliament in September last year.

“At that dialogue, Parliament made a deliberate and forward-looking call to action, urging partners to work with us in building strong, purposeful and strategic collaborations that enhance the effectiveness of our institution,” he said.

He emphasised that modern governance demanded cooperation, noting that Parliament could not operate in isolation if it was to remain responsive to citizens’ needs.

“We recognise that in today’s evolving governance landscape, no institution can operate in isolation. Parliament must work hand in hand with civil society, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure that its processes remain inclusive, transparent and responsive,” he added.

As such, he described the project as more than just a programme, saying it was a platform for transformation that would promote sharing of best practices, co-creation of innovative tools and the development of frameworks to strengthen engagement between civil society and Parliament.

The initiative, he said, also aimed to establish partnerships with international institutions to enhance learning and exchange, whilst ensuring that training programmes and reforms met global standards.

Such efforts, he said were geared toward building a Parliament that was not only efficient in its legislative and oversight roles, but also closely connected to the people it served.

He further highlighted the central role of civil society organisations in amplifying community voices, advocating for policy reform and holding institutions accountable, stressing that their engagement with Parliament was also essential.

“Active and constructive relationship between civil society and Parliament enriches legislative processes, improves policy outcomes and fosters greater public trust,” he added.

The launch, attended by Members of Parliament (MPs), diplomats, civil society representatives, the media and members of the public, also marked the start of activities commemorating 60 years of parliamentary democracy in Botswana.

Dr Malebang said the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s democratic journey whilst reimagining the future of Parliament.

“Over the next few months, Parliament is expected to roll out a series of reforms and public engagement initiatives. These include plans to introduce a Parliament Act, a Parliamentary Service Act, establish a Parliamentary Service Commission and a budget office, as well as develop a Code of Conduct for MPs and review Standing Orders,” he said.

He further said administrative reforms such as a new strategic plan and organisational restructuring were also on the agenda, aimed at strengthening Parliament’s independence in line with the principle of separation of powers.

In addition, he said a national dialogue, involving MPs and Ntlo ya Dikgosi, was also planned to align parliamentary processes and legislation with national values.

Furthermore, Dr Malebang said efforts to document Botswana’s parliamentary legacy would include a symposium bringing together past and present leaders, academics and civil society, with the aim of producing a publication on the country’s democratic history.

“Public lectures, media engagements and an awards ceremony recognising key contributors are also planned,” he added.

Again, he explained that the Bridging the Gap project would play a key role in strengthening the relationship between Parliament and citizens and ensure that governance became more inclusive and responsive.

“As we formally launch this project, let us commit to building bridges between institutions, ideas and, most importantly, between Parliament and the people,” he said.

The initiative’s success, he said, would depend on sustained collaboration and active participation from all stakeholders, adding that it should deliver tangible outcomes for citizens.

Dr Malebang expressed confidence that the project would also reinforce the country’s democratic foundations and enhance public trust in governance. ends