Khama dissolves parliament

Bame Piet | Thursday August 7, 2014 13:15

 

He was addressing members of the House on the same day, which coincidentally is the birthday of Margaret Nasha, the Speaker of the National Assembly.

“As the final session of this the 10th Parliament draws to a close, and as the 7th of August is the last day of its sitting, I considered it appropriate to join you this afternoon in order to announce the date of dissolution, as well as the date for the holding of general and local elections,” he said.

He said that in 2009, the electorates gave government institutions their legitimacy, and that, that time has once again arrived for them to exercise their right to elect their chosen representatives.

“Looking back at the past five years, I believe that the members of this House can take pride in both the quality and quantity of the 11 bills they have passed into law, which is your primary constitutional mandate.

“In addition, this House considered 14 policies, adopted 45 private members’ motions, 4, 018 questions from MPs were answered by ministers, and ministers responded to 68 Minister’s question times.”

The president said that legislators have discharged their core mandate as legislative branch of government.  Khama paid tribute to retiring Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe whom he lauded for having selflessly served for five decades in the civil service.

He also said he took the opportunity to also thank other members of parliament, namely, the front bench and backbench of the ruling party for their contribution.

“The same also goes to the members of the opposition for playing their part in the manner they thought appropriate in the democratic process that unfolded in this House.”

Meanwhile, as the body of the late leader of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), Gomolemo Motswaledi is being transported to Serowe today for burial tomorrow, Khama condemned what he called outrageous behaviour by some members of the public in making untruths about the death.

“We have all experienced this pain in trying to come to terms with the passing of a loved one and appreciate such support that allows a dignified send-off for the departed.

“What is not acceptable is when there are those who strive to cause scandal and take advantage over anyone’s death.  “Misinformation, untruths and scare-mongering add to the family’s grief.

“Such people who do so abandon their morals and culture.  “This is shameful and must be condemned by the rest of society,” he said.