Morwaneg Kills Saleshando's 'No Confidence' Motion
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday November 30, 2021 06:00
Saleshando had tabled a motion in Parliament seeking the National Assembly in accordance with Section 92 of the Constitution of Botswana to declare that it has no confidence in the government of Botswana.
However, Morwaeng dismissed the motion as irrelevant and an abuse of the parliamentary process.
“It is not only vague, trivial and vexatious but a waste of this Parliament’s time. This is because it is not proper to raise a motion under section 92 without a demonstration of exactly what it is that government has failed to do, which it is to be declared by Parliament that it has no confidence in,” Morwaeng said.
He added the motion is also declaring a motion of no confidence in the House.
“I do not believe that one can sit here, elected by Batswana, inviting Parliament to support a motion of no confidence in government without fundamental reasons. Note that with this motion, we are declaring a motion of no confidence on all of us here,” he added.
Morwaeng said for one to invoke the provisions of section 92 of the Constitution is not something that can be done on a whim, without thought and without fully internalising its effect and its full meaning.
He warned that the implications of passing of a resolution of no confidence in the government have far-fetched implications, and of course, will affect international perceptions and standing.
He stated that if Parliament votes in favour of this motion, Parliament shall stand dissolved and a general election of the elected members shall be held within 60 days from the date of dissolution.
He explained that this will also mean that vacancies in the seat of elected members of Parliament, Ntlo ya Dikgosi and of the council are created while only ministers and assistant ministers will remain in office until the assumption by a person to the Office of President.
He said when Parliament passes such a motion; it is practically taking away the right of the electorates, which they exercised when they confidently elected all of us to Parliament hence the provision to hold fresh elections within two months.
However, he said that is not practically possible under the circumstances of COVID-19 and the substantive financial implications it will have on the government.
“It will be an insurmountable task.” He explained that the government has set goals to move the country from middle income to a high-income economy to achieve a dignified life for all citizens.
Morwaeng said the government has made significant changes in the agriculture sector, tourism, mining, creative industry, water, transport infrastructure, transparency, governance and public safety, amongst others.
He said Batswana still have faith in this government, as such the motion is infringing on the right of Batswana who were not consulted.
“It is therefore worthy of rejection, and I implore this August House to reject the motion.”
Debate on the motion continues this coming week.