Nasha optimistic about second term
Bame Piet | Tuesday October 21, 2014 17:32
Addressing journalists yesterday she confirmed that she was harbouring dreams of continuing the job she ably handled during the 11th Parliament.
“I have made it public a long time ago that I wish to continue as Speaker, and I am hopeful that I will get a sponsor, who will have five supporters,” she said yesterday. Nasha became the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly in 2009.
The briefing was called by Nasha to explain the process that will be followed between October 24 and November 10 when the newly elected President will make State of the Nation Address.
Friday October 24 General elections
Tuesday October 28
Inauguration of the newly elected President, administered by the Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo at Parliament Buildings at 9:00hours. It will either be Lieutenant Gen. Ian Khama of Botswana Democratic Party, Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change or Dumelang Saleshando of Botswana Congress Party.
On the same day at 13:00hours, there will be submission of nominations for candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker by various Members of Parliament (MPs). The election of Specially Elected MPs will be presided over by the outgoing Speaker between 14:00hours and 16:00hours.
Nasha explained that the party that got 29 seats would automatically be the winner of this year’s election. She said the date was set “tentative” to avoid power vacuum may occur if there was any delays.
Wednesday 29th
The first meeting of the first session of the 11th Parliament will resume at 9:00hours in the morning, with the swearing in of MPs by the Clerk of the National Assembly. In the afternoon, at 14:00hours, the election of Speaker will resume with the Clerk of the National Assembly presiding over the process. Thereafter, the Speaker will be sworn in. The election of Deputy Speaker will then resume, presided over by the newly elected Speaker.
The endorsement of the Vice President will be done, with the newly elected Speaker presiding over the proceedings. The Vice President will then be sworn in.
From Monday November 3 to 7, the MPs will undergo orientation at the Gaborone International Convention Centre where they will be trained on how to behave in Parliament, in public and other business etiquette.
This time around, it will be secret vote for all the positions.
Expected to the challenge Nasha for the Speaker’s position will be former Deputy Speaker, minister and diplomat Gladys Kokorwe, who has also made her aspirations known during a previous interview with Mmegi.