Dow takes bold stance
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 27, 2023 06:00
The week her political home, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) gave her 14 days to show cause why action cannot be taken against her. This came after she turned down her party’s nomination to replace Kgosi Mosadi Seboko as the new member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP). Dow declined the offer after Kgosi Mosadi issued a statement to the effect that she did not resign. But this may be working in Dow's favour as she continues to gain support after her bold stance to decline the nomination. The BDP is reportedly aiming to push her out and she has in the past complained about intimidation. Recently the BDP chief whip, Liakiat Kablay wrote a complaint letter to the party disciplinary committee against Dow for what he viewed as tarnishing the party’s image publicly. He outlined that Dow was going against the party caucus and entertaining media interviews, which is against the party code of conduct. However, the University of Botswana political science lecturer, Batlang Seabo said: “Dow’s posture in Parliament is a clear demonstration of her ability to differ with her party supposedly for principle or other political motives.”
Seabo also said the BDP caucus works on the basis of collective responsibility meaning that members are bound by party caucus decisions and they tow the party line. He said if Dow may have the ambition to contest elections, then political implications may be that she may not get her party's support if she intends to further her political career. According to a source close to Dow, the former Cabinet minister does not have the intention to contest for the coming general election and she will be focusing mostly on her career. The source said Dow is a moral woman and she cannot change her decision when she believes in something. Of late, Dow has not been hiding her views on some issues and even during the Tsabong party congress, she was in support of Nonofho Molefhi who was challenging Vice President Slumber Tsogwane for party chairperson. She also accused some party leaders of being behind certain attacks that she gets on social media. Given that Dow is as a Specially Elected Member of Parliament, many people never thought she would differ with her party openly. Contacted for comment, the BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse said: “It has to be clear that we cannot discuss party internal matters especially if it is before the disciplinary hearing committee which is our court. As BDP members, party processes must be respected and we should let the disciplinary committee do its work without interference or favour. No one is allowed to talk about any issue if it is before that committee. That is a clear principle.” But early this week, Kentse confirmed that Dow was served with a complaint letter and therefore she would appear before the party disciplinary committee.
The BDP article 32.3 says the decision of the caucus shall be binding on each MP and councillor. Still on the party constitution, a member is required to question or criticise it within the institutional framework and within the bounds of decency and courtesy and not in any selfish, subjective or malicious manner. Recently Kablay said there is no one who is above the party constitution and party caucuses are binding to all members regardless of one’s position. “We have sworn when we became MPs that we will abide by the party procedures and regulations. Of course, I am going to write a letter to both the party disciplinary committee and central committee to take action against members who defy the party caucus,” said Kablay. He said it is his job as a Chief Whip to inform the party’s central committee on what transpired during the caucuses and Parliament. The Chief Whip said it is shocking and also embarrassing for an MP to be conducting interviews with the media and openly tarnishing the image of the party or boldly telling the public that she did not vote with her party. His statement dated March 15, 2023, read; “In 2022, Parliament adopted a motion that sought to dissolve the existing parliamentary committees and to reconstitute them into committees that will reflect the composition of parties in Parliament and therefore, the wishes of the voters in the past elections. Most if not all committees, were under the chairmanship of members of the opposition contrary to the expressed wishes of the electorate in the 2019 elections entrusting governance, soundly and without equivocation, with the ruling party.” Last week, Dow said she has seen the letter written by Kablay. “I don't know if it is leaked or if it is written to me or not. I think it will be premature of me to respond to what he said in that letter. It is his duty to advise his leaders on some issues. Again he is entitled to say his opinion. So, I will wait for my letter or any letter that calls me for hearing so I can respond,” she said.
In addition, she said Kablay knows party procedures very well and if he has a complaint against what they had done, he should follow it rather than preach it to others while he fails to do the same. She said as things stand, it is best they do not comment until they are served to appear before the hearing.