Serowe West deserves an MP

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday April 25, 2023 06:00

While some see this as a long overdue step towards restoring order and accountability in the country's political landscape, others view it as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing dissenting voices and consolidating power.

Khama was removed for missing two consecutive Parliament sittings after he fled to South Africa following his arrest early last year. Khama had indeed been away from his constituents longer as he attended earlier sessions of Parliament virtually. Without taking anything from whatever his reasons could be, this is a serious breach of parliamentary protocol and undermines the integrity of the parliamentary system.

As elected representatives, Members of Parliament must attend parliamentary sessions, participate in debates, and contribute to the legislative process. Failure to do so undermines the democratic process and hinders the government's ability to deliver on its mandate. Whatever the motive, the decision to remove Khama from Parliament highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in Botswana's political system.

The country has long prided itself on its democratic credentials, but recent developments suggest that there are underlying challenges that need to be addressed. The government must take steps to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that there is a level playing field for all political actors. It is also essential to remember that politics is not a zero-sum game.

The removal of Khama from Parliament should not be viewed as a victory for any particular party or individual but rather as an opportunity to strengthen the parliamentary system and improve accountability. The government must work with all political actors to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the current political climate. We should come up with more mechanisms to ensure that those voted in by the people do participate meaningfully and earn their huge paychecks.

It does not matter what party the people in Serowe will vote for, whoever takes over should know that they are going there to represent their people and when they cannot do that anymore, they should step aside and let others try their luck. Though he long knew this was coming, Khama held on to his seat and continued to enjoy his benefits while away in South Africa. We urge the people of Serowe West to partake in the looming election and vote for someone they believe will serve them best.