Khama cautions disloyal MPs
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday November 4, 2016 18:17
It is understood the party president, Ian Khama expressed concern about some members who defy the caucus and those who gossip about others. During elections of two specially elected MPs last week, it emerged that some BDP members did not vote along with their party members.
This led to BDP chief whip Liakat Kablay expressing concern about the conduct of some of his colleagues. Since the opposition had abstained, it was obvious that the spoiled ballots were by the BDP members.
“Party caucuses are binding to all MPs and Cabinet ministers. If someone is not happy with the way the BDP runs its affairs, he/she must leave the party. Each party has roles and regulations that guide or bind all members. It is true the party leader on Tuesday expressed displeasure on this issue,” Kablay said yesterday in an interview.
He said what surprises him, is that during the caucus, MPs were requested to submit names of party members they felt could be specially elected MPs.
“Reasons were provided for rejecting some names. Khama also gave reasons why Mephato Reatile and Bogolo Kenewendo should be candidates for the special election. At the end we all agreed to support the two, but others preferred not to vote with us. Going forward, the party will investigate the matter. After the investigations, we will inform the electorates how their MPs behave,” he said.
He said some MPs or Ministers are big-headed and mistakenly think that if they do not agree with the party, it would not survive. Kablay said also worrying is the gossip, which happens amongst some MPs.
“We are jealous of each other. Some honourable MPs are gossipmongers to the extend of going to some party leadership to gossip about colleagues,” he said.
Political analyst Antony Morima shared the same sentiments with Kablay that parties should take action against any member who defy party caucuses.
“People are voted per party ticket and therefore if one defies party caucus, that’s a clear sign that he/she no longer wants that party. Party caucuses are binding to all and it is good for a party to report or give feedback to party members in his area if one fails to obey party principles,” Morima said.
He said failure by an MP or Minister to obey party resolutions shows lack of respect to the party, its leadership and general membership.
“It doesn’t matter whether the party is right or wrong. Surprisingly, when MPs want elections these people are sworn that they would abide by party resolutions, principles amongst other things,” he said.