Politics, a game played with numbers delivered a curve ball for the BDP this week in a voting fiasco that saw the contested constitutional amendment bill failing to pass. While the constitutional reform was a top priority for the BDP, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) asserts that they knew the bill wouldn’t see the light of the day. Keorapetse led a group of lawmakers who walked out Parliament buildings before the voting for the bill on Wednesday. The oxymoron that the BDP would not lose out because of numbers, something they have in galore was however not a shock to leader of Opposition Keorapetse who told the media yesterday briefing that the BDP was too fractured to deliver a unanimous outcome.
Keorapetse further asserted that the opposition was in possession of information that the bill did not have the support of the BDP`s Members of Parliament (MPs). Keorapetse further claims that the BDP MPs have qualms and grudges with “principals” and they don’t feel the need to support the party’s top priorities as they feel left in the cold. “We knew they are not together from the start, when we choose to walk out we already knew they cannot deliver it. These are people we know, we have conversations with them and they have told us how they feel about the bill” he said. The opposition chose to walk out just before voting started, presumably allowing the BDP to carry out its will without their inclusion as they were opposed to the bill's passing. Keorapetse added that he is even shocked that 37 BDP MPs voted in support of that bill, as from initial discussions they were projecting that less than 35 were in support of the bill. According to Keorapetse, the BDP`s main undoing was impairing Tshekedi Khama from attending Parliament out of the country in a spirit of vindictiveness, a statute interpretation that would later impede Masisi and Minister of International Relations Lemogang Kwape from voting this week. The quest to reform the constitution was part of the BDP`s manifesto promises in 2019, a process they would kick-start in the dusk of Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi`s first term. Early into the year at least 44 civil society organisations, united under the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO), were prepared to take legal action if the President was to ignore their plea to withdraw the Bill.
The organisations have criticised the Bill for failing to address key reform issues crucial for democracy, fundamental rights protection, and institutional independence in Botswana. The task team chairperson, Morena Monganja, highlighted concerns regarding the lack of public engagement in the amendment process, which they argue was largely controlled by the president and his advisors. Despite widespread criticism, the Bill proceeded, prompting the civil society to demand its immediate withdrawal and review. Instead, they advocate for a more inclusive and participatory constitution-building process, stressing the importance of public consultation and adherence to democratic principles. BOCONGO chairperson, Olebile Machete, early on to the year expressed disappointment over the lack of a people-centred approach despite initial assurances from government officials. Legal action and continued engagement with stakeholders are on the horizon as civil society strives to advocate for a Constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Botswana.
