Councillor calls for limited terms for MPS

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Monday May 14, 2012 00:00

 

The mover of the motion, Ikageleng Phase II ward councillor, Lekang Mukokomani told The Monitor last week that democracy could not be said to be rich if one person can represent people indefinitely.

He argued that the main objective of being an elected representative is to come up with ideas to develop the country. He argued that after 10 years, one would have run out of ideas. 'Politicians should not take political positions as some form of employment. Some people would not want to step down because they have nothing to do after leaving political office,' he said.

The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) councillor said there are many people who can come up with fresh ideas if given a chance. He argued that not only the president should have two office terms. Mukokomani said staying too long in office could lead to politicians becoming corrupt because they get used to the system and get too close to employees.

Mukokomani said the government should involve Batswana by setting up a commission to get ideas on a reasonable term of office for their representatives. Mogae Ketshogile of Kopano ward supported the idea, saying it is healthy for the nation. He explained that the changes would also stop conflicts between those who want to get into power and the incumbent.

'This system of people always setting each other up will stop and we will have clean governance. The changes will also show that we have developed as a country,' he said. Ketshogile added that in future there is also a need for mayors to be voted for by the general public. He observed that councillors across the country are fighting for the positions because they are tasked with voting for their leadership.