NDP 11: same old same old...

President Ian Khama has called a special session of Parliament for National Development Plan (NDP) Number 11. The special session was preceded by a two-day workshop for MPs conducted by the government - Ministry of Finance and Economic Development - through permanent secretaries. Many MPs had been busy at their constituencies doing consultations prior to the summon.

The NDP 11 session is a special one because the development plan wasn’t discussed during the Winter Parliament. It wasn’t unanticipated by many, but it didn’t come as a surprise. At the end of the discussions predicted to be December 1, the Sovereign will present to the country the State of the Nation Address after he prorogues Parliament and issues a proclamation to begin a new meeting of the Assembly.

The government’s plan was to have this session as entirely a special one with no other business other than NDP 11. The opposition insisted on having a normal session, arguing that the Sovereign, or anyone for that matter, cannot direct Parliament on what to do. The argument was that NDP 11 can dominate the business, but with no departure from the normal procedures. A compromise position was that there be questions for 45 minutes everyday. Once again, it’s clear that government business will dominate the Order Paper. The government assumes that it can use Parliament as it pleases in terms of passing stuff through it in a manner suggesting disregard for its role.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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