MPs demand recognition until change of office

The bill, brought forward by Lobatse Member of Parliament (MP) Nehemiah Modubule looks at changing section 68(1) (a) of the Constitution.  It provides for the right of MPs to continue as such up to and including the last day preceding a general election despite the dissolution of Parliament.  Currently, MPs are expected to cease their duties, and are no longer recognised as MPs once Parliament is dissolved ahead of the elections. Presenting the bill before Parliament, Modubule said Section 68(1) (a) was discriminatory. 

He said that it ended the tenure of MPs upon the dissolution of Parliament, while cabinet members, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and councillors remain in office up to the day before elections. He argued that MPs remain custodians of their offices even when Parliament has been dissolved, and that it is thus important that they continue to be recognised as MPs until new members are elected.