Is this a sign of the wheels coming or just democracy at work? Is the BDP ready for this type of politics particularly at a time when the opposition seems to have gained momentum in their quest to work together?
Although this might bother some in the BDP, the party administration is particularly bothered by this turn of events. They view this is a manifestation of a mature democracy and an interplay of divergent opinions which do not necessarily stifle party unity.
There is no doubt that opposition unity is a big threat to the ruling party as they themselves have identified it as a major threat. The party however does not see criticism of the government by members of the ruling party as a threat. The deputy executive secretary of the BDP Fidelis Molao, told Mmegi that difference in opinion amongst members of the ruling party when debating in parliament cannot be viewed as a threat to party stability. He asserted that in a mass organisation like the BDP, there is bound to be a division of opinion. He argued that the party does not have a policy against members expressing their opinion concerning government policies even if it is contrary.
The current parliamentary session seems to have raised a lot of eyebrows, because a number of BDP parliamentarians seem to share the same views as opposition parliamentarians over certain issues. The opposition has always raised complaints about Vice President and MP for Serowe North Ian Khama’s lack of appearance and nil contribution to parliamentary debates, the souring economy and the government’s failure to improve the lives of Batswana.
Specially Elected MP, Botsalo Ntuane recently raised a pertinent issue, which has been a hot topic for opposition leaders. While the opposition has been complaining about the VP’s lack of participation in parliamentary debates, Ntuane openly argued that as much as the president found it fit to call Khama from his sabbatical leave in 2000 and charge him with the responsibility of overseeing project implementations, the VP should brief Parliament at least twice a year on the progress he is making. While some BDP members of Parliament seem to support Khama’s lack of presence during parliamentary discussion, there are some who agree that Khama like other members and ministers should be active in Parliamentary discussions.
Other members of the ruling party have sternly criticised the re-introduction of school fees, which takes effect beginning of next year, amongst them the MP for Molepolole North Gaotlhatlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, who again seemed to differ with the president’s statement that the economy was fine.
