BCP raises red flag over constitutional review
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday January 21, 2026 06:00
When addressing the media yesterday, Saleshando said the BCP will actively campaign against the proposed changes when the planned referendum eventually takes place on Constitutional Court and the Comprehensive Constitution Review, which are about to start. According to him, the manner in which the government is handling the process undermines both public trust and democratic principles.
Saleshando recalled that when the ruling party was still in the opposition, there was a clear consensus on how a comprehensive constitutional review should be conducted. He stressed that public education should be the first and most critical step before any formal processes are initiated.
“When this party was in the opposition, they said they would do a comprehensive constitutional review to begin, and people must first be educated about it,” said Saleshando. “Now we see an attempt to educate dikgosi after they have already voted against it. What the President is doing is wrong.”
Whilst clarifying the party’s position, Saleshando emphasised that the BCP is not opposed to the idea of a Constitutional Court in principle. However, he argued that the timing of the proposal is questionable and disconnected from the pressing challenges facing ordinary Batswana.
He pointed out that the country is currently grappling with serious service delivery problems, particularly in critical sectors such as health and education. “Hospitals are experiencing shortages of medicines, whilst students in schools do not have textbooks,” he said. “Under these circumstances, prioritising constitutional changes raises serious questions.”
Furthermore, Saleshando expressed concern over the financial implications of the proposed referendum. He warned that the exercise would be costly at a time when the country’s expenditure continues to rise without a corresponding increase in revenue.
In addition, he argued that Botswana does not currently face urgent constitutional crises that would justify an expensive and rushed review process. According to him, the government’s focus should instead be on addressing bread-and-butter issues affecting citizens daily.
Saleshando also aimed at President Duma Boko, accusing him of being insensitive to the realities on the ground. He claimed that the President appears detached from the immediate concerns of the population and lacks clarity on the true motive behind the constitutional push.
“He has unclear motives,” Saleshando said, adding that such an important national exercise should not be driven by the Executive alone. He, therefore, called for the involvement of independent bodies to oversee both the referendum and any comprehensive constitutional review to ensure transparency, credibility, and public confidence. He maintained that constitutional reforms must serve the people, not political interests, if they are to succeed.