BDP blocks power, water probe
Wednesday, July 08, 2015

Gaborone Dam
The motion followed two days of pandemonium in the National Assembly, starting on Monday when security personnel carried UDC Gaborone Central MP, Phenyo Butale out of Parliament after a heated debate over the motion. Deputy Speaker, Kagiso Molatlhegi ordered Butale to be forced out, as tensions rose over the tabling of the urgent motion.
Yesterday morning, UDC leaders held an emotional briefing where they vowed to seek answers for the electricity and water crisis “even if we have to bring Parliament to a standstill”. Tensions were high at the National Assembly ahead of its afternoon sitting, after UDC legislators said they would “use force” to get their motion heard.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...