Masisi To Revive APC- Tsogwane
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday July 9, 2018 14:17
Addressing members of the media on Friday, Tsogwane indicated that Masisi has committed to reviving the defunct APC.
He said that the Conference has limited scope as per the legal framework to carry out its full mandate.
The APC is a consultative forum for all registered political parties to discuss issues related to democracy and elections and any issues of mutual public interest before formulation of policies.
He said that the platform provided the opportunity for the Executive and political parties to appreciate issues before their escalation to policy or statutory level.
According Tsogwane, although the APC was initially not a creation of any statute but just a genetleman’s agreement, it is provided for in the Constitution under Section 65A, which also stipulates the duties of the APC.
He said that the Minister of Governance and Public Administration should convene meetings from time to time to discuss improvements to the legal framework and strengthening of democracy. “It was a political norm that All-Party Conference forums are held ahead of general elections with a view to agree on improvements to the legal framework and strengthening of democracy.
“Most amendments to the Electoral Act then were as a result of this engagement amongst political players,” he added.
The APC died a sudden death when former President Ian Khama took over from Festus Mogae in 2008, something that has been heavily criticised by opposition parties.
Opposition parties had expressed their willingness to participate in the forum, provided the government entertained proposed electoral reforms.
Many political players had been calling for its revival.