BDP members propose broadened VP role
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 25, 2022 06:00
The commission is in Gaborone this week and different NGOs are expected to present their submissions to the commission.
One of the critical issues the BDP members want to be changed in the constitution is a clause requiring a person who aspires to be the country’s Vice President to have a constituency.
According to the Botswana constitution, one cannot be a Vice President if he or she does not have a constituency that had elected him or her. The members want the clause to be changed and rather to be drafted in a way that allows even a specially elected Member of Parliament to be able to be chosen as a Vice President.
The members believe that the said clause is outdated since it limits whoever is the President to choose a person whom s/he or believes is capable in the party since some fail to make it due to primary or general election.
They also want the role of the VP position to be well defined so that it does not become a ceremonial one without roles or duties. Currently, the VP’s roles or duties are not stipulated in the constitution or broadened.
However, the members are still comfortable with automatic succession to the presidency level. Another issue the party wishes to present according to an inside source is the increase in the number of Specially Elected MPs and Nominated Councillors. The members believe that an increase will help in broadening women's representation in both councils and Parliament.
Currently, Botswana has the lowest representation of women in Parliament and councils. Still on the constitutional review issue, the party is expected to move against the presidential election as some constituencies have been calling for it in different kgotla meetings and how the current system is useful to Botswana's setup. The BDP secretary-general, Mpho Balopi, confirmed that the members have proposed that the party must have its own contribution to constitutional review. “It is true the members want the role of VP to be well defined and broadened. Again they want the current clause that requires a person who wants to be a VP to be elected to be re-looked into. Yes, we believe that it is outdated. Our members are concerned about the number of women representation in both Parliament and councils.
Therefore if there is an increase of Specially Elected MPs and councillors that will help, but we can achieve that, if constitutionally there is a specific number on women representation. For example, it must be clear that out of 10, six must be women,” he said.
He, however, said the recommendation or resolutions made by the National Council is not final since they will be debated at the congress where they will be made final. Still, on the matter, the BDP President Mokgweetsi Masisi has implored the democrats to contribute to the commission. “With singleness of mind, let us propagate the values that we cherish; democracy, unity, peace, development and inclusion with a view to tribute this enduring legacy to our generations. We have to include all ethnic groups, races, young people, more women and girls, more people living with disabilities, and yes, more exceptional people.
The National Council gives us an opportunity to take stock of our party alongside the evaluation of policies and programmes of the government that we lead,” Masisi had said.
He said introspection also provides an appropriate platform for them as a party to reaffirm their collective commitment to the responsibility and privilege of leading people and improving their lives. Still at the council, the party welcomed the Reset Agenda of government as a timely and the necessary measure to improve government performance and to create a performance for Batswana.
The members also supported the government’s intention to utilise constituency development funds to construct roads around the country. Another resolution is that the party members should maintain discipline and prioritise consensus candidates in all upcoming by-elections as well as the next general election.
The members took a resolution calling on the government to review all laws and policies that are skewed in favour of wildlife at the expense of the agric businesses of Batswana, such as in the instance of predators that kill livestock. And such, a review should seek to attain a balance between wildlife protection and human livelihood. The council also endorsed the submission by the BDP committee appointed to prepare submissions to the commission. Another resolution is that the party structures are encouraged to consider and prioritise consensus candidates in all upcoming by-elections as well as the next general elections.