We need immediate constitutional review

| Wednesday September 16, 2009 00:00

The most prominent fights have been experienced in the two big political formations - the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the Botswana National Front (BNF).There is no doubt that the two parties still have a long way to go in conflict management.

Everyone is talking about the BDP saga with a party constitution and a national Constitution that turns one man into an untouchable demigod. Of course it is a shame if the constitution of this nation has been crafted so much as to protect the presidency and even to protect the foibles of a president who mishandles the affairs of his own party. If indeed, the three judges' interpretation of Section 41 is correct - we hear a groundswell of opposition from other lawyers who say they could be wrong - then we need an immediate constitutional review.

How can the constitution, the same document that gives and protects our bill of rights on one hand, take away the protection in another. We wish the three judges erred in their restrictive interpretation of the constitution because their decision does not augur well for our democracy.  Let us hope the democratic forces around the world will see substance in the struggle waged by Gomolemo Motswaledi against dictatorship that is supposedly licenced by the constitution.

To the extent that the constitution of Botswana bestows undue immunity on the president, Motswaledi needs the support of everyone to fight all the way to the Appeal's Court.

This case is not just about Motswaledi being reinstated in his position as BDP secretary general. It is about correcting a constitutional lapse that unwittingly gives undue protection to a president and tempts him or her to be dictatorial.

BNF on Kanjabanga
On a separate matter, the opposition, BNF, is back at it again, doing what they do best - putting their foot in their mouth. After announcing that there will be a primary election in Gaborone North, they stop the exercise only to disqualify another candidate. Phew! When will BNF learn to be a civilised organisation that acts decently. We have given up on this once mighty party.

The leadership has no shame and they need to be told that their pathetic, partisan and infantile antics to impose their favoured candidates during party primaries stinks.

                                                 Today's Thought

'No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority.'

                                              - Thomas Jefferson