Constitution takes precedence over parliamentary proceedings :: Mmegi Online

The realisation that Members of Parliament (MP) may lack profound erudition in the basic legal infrastructure that governs their work is an understatement. The case in point for this apparent lack of understanding of the Constitution in relation to the suspension of the Leader of Opposition (LoO), Dumelang Saleshando by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Phandu Skelemani, recently. Staff Writer OARABILE MOSIKARE argues that the Ontefetse Kenneth Matambo versus Speaker of the National Assembly and two other cases could be an induction course for all the MPs

Former finance minister Kenneth Matambo has sought to review and set aside the proceedings of the Select Committee of the National Assembly, and that of the National Assembly itself, primarily on the basis that the adoption of the Committee’s report by the National Assembly is a nullity and/or unlawful on account of violation of the principles of natural justice, in particular, the audi alteram partem rule.

In December 2011, the National Assembly adopted a resolution that a Special Select Committee of Parliament be appointed to investigate certain allegations relating to the Botswana Development Cooperation (BDC) and the Fengyue Glass Manufacturing Project.

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