We were kicked out – Keorapetse
Mompati Tlhankane | Tuesday August 15, 2023 06:00
Keorapetse addressed the media after the recent winter Parliament session, disclosing that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) now holds sway over the majority of committees.
This move, he claimed, is aimed at centralising control within the Tsholetsa House and the Office of the President. The ratio of committee membership is illustrative of this power shift.
“They wanted a ratio of 5:3 in every committee. In terms of numbers, they are smaller than opposition legislators. Currently, we have 20 opposition MPs if we include Unity Dow and the BDP has 14. If one looks at this fairly, the MPs who are supposed to have more numbers in these committees are the opposition because we are many,” he said.
Keorapetse further alleged that the BDP’s intentions were not merely to secure representation, but to exert dominance over committee decisions. This, he contended, would allow the BDP to shape decisions in the caucus and then present them as collective choices to the opposition. Expressing his concerns, the Selebi Phikwe West MP also highlighted the concerning non-functionality of many committees due to the inability to achieve quorum. As a former chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), he expressed shock at this new occurrence, which contradicts previous sessions, including former president Ian Khama’s tenure.
Keorapetse clarified that their disengagement from committees wasn't a choice but a result of being sidelined. “Standing orders are clear that the committee of selection selects MPs who get into committees but that has never happened. Rather the Speaker of National Assembly shoved MPs’ names onto us,” he further revealed.
In response to the situation, Keorapetse affirmed their unwillingness to participate in committees that are disproportionately dominated by BDP MPs. While legal action was considered, it was ultimately deemed impractical due to time and financial constraints. “We had a strong case there, but it was too much of a risk,” he said.
Keorapetse added by stressing the opposition’s recognition of only the PAC formed after the 2019 General Election, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the current PAC led by Francistown South MP Wynter Mmolotsi, which they perceive as being forcibly established.