Dow takes bold stance

Dow PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Dow PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Specially Elected Member of Parliament (SEMP) Unity Dow’s posture within and outside Parliament is a clear indication that she is rebuilding her brand as an internationally recognised human rights lawyer and activist.

The week her political home, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) gave her 14 days to show cause why action cannot be taken against her. This came after she turned down her party’s nomination to replace Kgosi Mosadi Seboko as the new member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP). Dow declined the offer after Kgosi Mosadi issued a statement to the effect that she did not resign. But this may be working in Dow's favour as she continues to gain support after her bold stance to decline the nomination. The BDP is reportedly aiming to push her out and she has in the past complained about intimidation. Recently the BDP chief whip, Liakiat Kablay wrote a complaint letter to the party disciplinary committee against Dow for what he viewed as tarnishing the party’s image publicly. He outlined that Dow was going against the party caucus and entertaining media interviews, which is against the party code of conduct. However, the University of Botswana political science lecturer, Batlang Seabo said: “Dow’s posture in Parliament is a clear demonstration of her ability to differ with her party supposedly for principle or other political motives.”

Seabo also said the BDP caucus works on the basis of collective responsibility meaning that members are bound by party caucus decisions and they tow the party line. He said if Dow may have the ambition to contest elections, then political implications may be that she may not get her party's support if she intends to further her political career. According to a source close to Dow, the former Cabinet minister does not have the intention to contest for the coming general election and she will be focusing mostly on her career. The source said Dow is a moral woman and she cannot change her decision when she believes in something. Of late, Dow has not been hiding her views on some issues and even during the Tsabong party congress, she was in support of Nonofho Molefhi who was challenging Vice President Slumber Tsogwane for party chairperson. She also accused some party leaders of being behind certain attacks that she gets on social media. Given that Dow is as a Specially Elected Member of Parliament, many people never thought she would differ with her party openly. Contacted for comment, the BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse said: “It has to be clear that we cannot discuss party internal matters especially if it is before the disciplinary hearing committee which is our court. As BDP members, party processes must be respected and we should let the disciplinary committee do its work without interference or favour. No one is allowed to talk about any issue if it is before that committee. That is a clear principle.” But early this week, Kentse confirmed that Dow was served with a complaint letter and therefore she would appear before the party disciplinary committee.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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