More power to Masisi's elbow!

Editor | Friday December 10, 2010 00:00

When a number of vocal critics of the Executive left the ruling party to form the BMD earlier this year, the fear was that self-criticism within the BDP - which never really existed - was dead. Because they were leaving the party pretty barren under the leadership of President Ian Khama and Vice-President Mompati Merafhe - who are averse to debate and criticism - we thought the development spelt the death of the BDP beyond redemption.

However, we note the recent courage of some BDP MPs who are openly questioning the policies of their party without fear. This is because in certain respects, the burden placed on ruling party MPs is heavier than that of the opposition. Afterall, opposition MPs have nothing to lose by criticising the ruling party. Their stock in trade is mainly to repeat to the nation that the ruling party has failed Batswana, which can hardly be deemed a difficult task.

However, we consider it more responsible to do that with objectivity. For it serves little purpose if a critical analysis of the government is done without taking stock of its successes and failures. Infact, such is the responsibility of MPs across the political spectrum. As the supreme law-making and important oversight institution, Parliament requires men and women of integrity and intellect who can debate national issues without fear of straying from the party line. An MP who so conducts themselves would strike a chord with the country because they would distinguish themselves as having a finger on the pulse of the nation.

But we know that MPs are ultimately politicians who belong to political parties that wield a lot of power, especially Domkrag whose MPs are under tremendous pressure to tow the line by aligning themselves with the Executive. As a matter fact, most of them do this with alarming alacrity. In this, they have abandoned the electorate whose aspirations are trodden underfoot by representatives who choose to be closer to the side on which their bread is buttered.

It was therefore refreshing to hear the member for Francistown West, Tshelang Masisi, pick up the cudgel to call for reform. While Masisi is from a long line of BDP loyalists, the knee-jerk reaction of the BDP that served it badly when it was rocked by seismic defections could again come into play and dismiss the courageous MP as a malcontent. However, Batswana are no longer blinded by pulling wool over their eyes because they are yearning for reform. Ultimately, Masisi has shown that he can balance his often dichotomous roles as a member of the BDP monolithic and a popularly elected representative of the people. Bravo!

                                                 Today's thought

'All powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people'

                                                   - Unknown