Parliament goes digital

The motion to amend was recently brought to Parliament by Tswapong North legislator Prince Maele, on behalf of Chairman of the Standing Orders and Reforms Committee Daniel Kwelagobe. His successful motion amended Standing Order 128 to allow, for the first time in the history of the Botswana Parliament, the use of electronic devices and gadgets such as tablets and Ipads in the house.  The amendment also provides for the regulation of use of the devices.

"The use of electronic devices such as tablets and laptops is a relatively new phenomenon in most legislatures around the world, whose use in this house it is anticipated will greatly enhance information access to the benefit to the benefit of our members," Maele said when presenting the motion.