BMD constitution limits president's powers

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Friday May 14, 2010 00:00

Under the BMD, the president will not have as much power as is prevalent in the BDP. The BMD constitution states that the president could orient and direct the activities of the party under the overall supervision of the National Executive Committee (NEC).  It further mentions that in all the matters, the president would be subject to the authority of the NEC, who may overrule him/her on matters of the party.  Unlike the BDP, the new party will also have the post of deputy president. 

In its preamble, the BMD constitution states that one of its aims and objectives is to unite all the people of Botswana for the complete liberation of the country from all forms of discrimination and oppression.  It also aims to uphold good governance, the rule of law, human rights, civil liberties, transparency and accountability.

The party also aims to fight for social justice and eliminate inequalities inherent in our society.  It intends to build a nation with a common patriotism and loyalty in which the cultural and religious diversity of the people is recognized and promoted.  The constitution further says it will promote economic development for the benefit of all and support the cause of youth and women's empowerment.

Another vision is to mobilise Batswana who share a common vision for the achievement of pluralistic democratic society.  The BMD identifies itself as a non-racial, democratic political movement.  'Its polices are determined by the membership and its leadership is accountable to the membership.'

'The Movement shall, in its composition and functioning, be democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist and against any form of racial, tribalistic or ethnic exclusivism or chauvinism.   While striving for the maximum unity of purpose and functioning, The Movement will respect the cultural and religious diversity of its members,' reads part of the constitution.

'The Movement is committed to the cause of gender equity.  The principles of freedom of speech and free circulation of ideas and information will be promoted by the Movement.'

In contrast the BDP constitution states that the president shall be the principal spokesman of the party on national and international affairs.  He/she convenes and presides over meetings of the central committee.  The BDP constitution entails the party president to give instructions on any matter to any official of the party and empower any member of the party to exercise any powers or specific functions for and on behalf of the party or central committee as maybe valid or lawful.

Under the BDP constitution, the president has powers to suspend any member for 60 days pending disciplinary action.  The president also presides over the proceedings of the final Disciplinary Committee comprising of four members that he/she has appointed.  The decision of the disciplinary hearing shall be final and binding.

Last year after the election of the BDP central committee, the BDP president, Ian Khama went ahead to appoint additional members and sub committees without consulting the newly elected central committee.  The president went further and renewed the contract of the BDP executive secretary, Dr Batlang Serema.  This did not go down well with other members of the central committee as they were not consulted.

On the other hand, the president felt that the BDP constitution empowered him to act without consulting other central committee members. This led to other central committee members seeking legal advice on the president's powers.  The party's legal advisers who also happen to be Khama's family lawyers, issued a press statement confirming that the president was indeed acting within his powers.  This matter then led to the suspension of the secretary general, Gomolemo Motswaledi for questioning the law firm's authority to issue a statement on behalf of the party. Just like the country's constitution, the BDP constitution accords the president absolute powers. .