Khama�s Neopatrimonialism: Increase of special MPs, Ministers

According to the same Gazette, “The proposed increase in the offices of Minister and Assistant Minister of the Government will enable the President to assign responsibility for the business of government by reviewing Ministries whose portfolios are too wide with the view to reducing the mandate, whilst at the same time presenting an opportunity to create new Ministries which will cater for priority areas or emerging areas of responsibility.”

Bill No. 3 of 2016-Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 object is to increase the number of Specially Elected Members of Parliament from four to six. The justification according to the government is that the status quo has been there for 49 years and that the economy of Botswana is growing in size and complexity and that the increase provides both the National Assembly and Cabinet with opportunities to meet the challenges of expertise and skills.