MPs complain about IPU Conference snub

No local MP was invited to the conference and the MPs said that the gesture was a sign of disrespect for Parliament. Some even suggested that an inquest be conducted to find out why the conference had to be delayed to exclude Botswana MPs. They were commenting on the P65million budget allocation for Parliament for the 2010-11 financial year. President Ian Khama officially opened the conference whose theme was political tolerance.

Several MPs called on cabinet members to be tolerant saying there is a developing trend where criticism from fellow MPs, is taken personally by ministers. Lobatse MP Nehemiah Modubule said that political parties should respect the Constitution of Botswana, which guarantees MPs immunity from prosecution for the things they say in Parliament. He said there is a worrying trend where political parties persecute MPs for speaking their views in Parliament.