Dikgosi call for constitutional review

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday June 24, 2016 17:07

 

Kgosi Galeakanye Modise of Tswapong region is requesting government to start the process of a constitutional review so that Batswana can be afforded an opportunity to make an input in the constitution that will be neutral, respectful and cognisant of every citizen of this country. 

Modise’s contention is that some of the clauses in the constitution are outdated and there is need for them to be amended.  “The issue regarding constitutional amendment should seriously be looked into because there is an outcry from Batswana that other clauses need to be corrected.  The government cannot keep on amending certain clauses and leaving others,” Modise said.

“I think it’s time for the government to consult people on how they feel about the constitutional review and things that they are eager to be changed or amended in the constitution. Times have changed and as a nation we need to check if our constitution is still relevant with the times or not,” he noted.

Modise said he expects other dikgosi to support his motion.”

In  2009, Tati East Member of Parliament (MP) Moyo Guma and Francistown South MP Wynter Mmolotsi called for constitutional reforms. Their argument was that the constitution is outdated and needs to be amended.

Guma told Parliament that Africa does not need strong leaders but strong institutions. “We need to make sure that we have strong institutions,” he said. He added that when the current constitution was drafted, none of the present legislators was there.

Mmolotsi then called on government to review the constitution saying it is outdated and does not protect citizens. “Numerous sections of the constitution need to be reviewed to strengthen the democracy of the country,” Mmolotsi said. Political analyst Leonard Sesa said this is a good move by dikgosi and hopes that the National Assembly will listen to them if the motion could pass.

“This is what Batswana generally have been crying about. I hope the country leaders should reflect on this matter as the nation turns 50 years. Ntlo ya Dikgosi advises the National Assembly and therefore they should know that dikgosi are representing people’s voices. Indeed our constitution is outdated and this is the time that the country should reflect on it,” Sesa said.