The Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) gave the nod to the Constitutional Amendment Bill seeking to double the number of Specially Elected MPs to eight yesterday after a debate with regional undertones. Members of the House, from the southern part of the country, led by paramounct chiefs Mosadi Seboko of Balete, Seepapitso IV of Bangwaketse, Kgari Sechele III of Bakwena, Letlamoreng Montshiwa of Gaborone, Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa and Kgosi Ledimo fought hard to reject the bill saying there was no need to increase the number of nominated MPs. They said it is the wrong time to increase the number of MPs because the country has been hit hard by the global economic meltdown. They said that government has shelved development projects because of the economic crunch and the four slots currently available should be dedicated to people with special skills.
However, a majority of members from the Central District and far north, most of whom are in the House through elections supported the proposed law. The six Dikgosi from the south were defeated after the House adopted Kgosi Kgakanyana's resolution to have the number increased from four to eight on condition that the president chooses women, members of NGOs, and opposition parties as Specially Elected MPs. The members agreed that the opposition should get a share of the slots saying it has worked in other countries like South Africa. They even mentioned the new Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe saying it included members from the ruling party and the opposition.
