Parliament urged to ensure balance of power

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Friday August 13, 2010 00:00

The call was made by a University of Botswana (UB) professor of political studies, Mpho Molomo yesterday at the ongoing Centre for Strategic Studies Capacity Building Workshop, Botswana Chapter.

Prof Molomo said dominance of the executive arm of government over the legislature is a cause for concern regarding parliament as far as fully performing its oversight role on military and other intelligence agencies in Botswana is concerned.

He said military, in nature, is an extension of the executive hence its operations should be scrutinised by the oversight body of parliament. Prof Molomo however cautioned that the unclear separation of power between executive and legislature creates a problem as the executive is drawn from the legislature.  Prof Molomo further said the system in Botswana does not clearly show whom the parliamentarians are answerable to.

He pointed out that even though Botswana has been a shining example in terms of democracy, the problem will arise if there is complacency and intolerance by those in power.

He further said the oversight body of parliament is necessary in discharging military functions without compromising and violating international security protocols.

He added that the body should question whether the military budget is sufficiently open, without compromising the military integrity and confidentiality to allow for oversight and accountability.

Prof Molomo stressed that the oversight body of parliament means holding the military accountable for its actions and ensuring that it implements policies in an effective and accountable manner. He said the role of the body entails upholding the political superintendence of elected civilian authorities over the military. 'In a democratic setting no public institution should escape the rigour of democratic oversight,' he said.

He warned that the secrecy and confidentiality that surrounds military procurement could lead to corruption if not subjected to stringent measures of oversight.

Prof Molomo also expressed concern that lack of information, in the absence of Freedom of Information Act, can lead to a situation whereby civil servants divulge critical information hence making it hard for the oversight body to function.

He also called for the immunity of Members of Parliament when debating motions in Parliament. Prof Molomo said this in light of recent developments where legislators are forced to debate motions along party lines rather than on issues of interest to their electorates.