A reckless political statement

Mmegi Editor | Thursday September 18, 2014 12:10

Mangole was launching a UDC candidate over the weekend in Mochudi when he reportedly told his audience that Bakgatla are “orphans, without a chief,” and that this is “all because of President Ian Khama and his government”. 

This is not the first time opposition MPs from Kgatleng have uttered remarks to the effect that once voted into power, they will drop charges against their Kgosi.  It is prudent at this point to caution these aspiring politicians, and the general public, that it is unethical to make promises that cannot be fulfilled and dangerous when the fulfilment of these promises would violate the basic rule of law.

It is disturbing for Mangole to have uttered these words, when he is fully aware that the Executive arm of the State has no mandate to interfere in matters presided over by its judicial arm. Interestingly, Mangole was previously one of a vocal group of legislators who spoke strongly against executive interference in the other arms of the State, being the legislature and judiciary.

It boggles the mind why opposition MPs in Kgatleng believe their Kgosi should not be tried for the crimes he is suspected of committing, through established courts of law. Or perhaps, the now popular refrain is mere political pandering rather than a heartfelt promise that the politicians will actually pursue?

Even the Kgosi himself, a lawyer by profession, appreciates that the courts were established to adjudicate between individuals, as well as between the State and individuals. The UDC president, Duma Boko, another trained lawyer, also appreciates that the executive constitutionally cannot and should not try to influence decisions of the courts.

It is quite reckless for our politicians to throw dangerous promises around and psych their audiences up towards an unconstitutional goal, all in pursuit of that precious vote. We also take this opportunity to thank our colleagues in the broadcast media, particularly Gabz FM, RB1 and Yarona FM, as their live debates have given voters a clue as to the true calibre of some of our political hopefuls. Batswana should listen very carefully to what these individuals are saying, as their words are a reflection of their personalities.

We urge voters to follow these debates until the eve of the elections and thereafter follow up what their representatives are actually doing in the National Assembly and in the local authorities.

                                                       Today’s thought

         Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.

 

                                                        Nikita Khrushchev