Constitutional review: Once bitten twice shy, says CSOs :: Mmegi Online

In the wake of the failed 2024 Constitutional Review bid led by the fallen Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) regime, which proved to be a fool’s errand, the newly elected Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led government has ramped up efforts to deliver it as part of its reforms. However, civil society organisations (CSOs) have learnt hard lessons and have since put in a raft of demands calling for an inclusive process this time around. KABO RAMASIA writes

The following was deemed a disastrous attempt to amend the Constitution, passionately spearheaded by the BDP regime. Efforts to review the constitution have gained new momentum. However, this time around, led by the UDC. The UDC has thus tabled before Parliament the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2025- Bill No. 14 of 2025. Despite this noble intention, civil society organisations represented by the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) have recounted the horrendous experience and are calling for a people-centric approach this time around. BOCONGO expressed its views in a press statement this week.

“The Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) rejects the 2025 Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2025- Bill No.14 of 2025 in its current form. We reaffirm our position that any constitutional reform process must be people-led, inclusive, transparent, and in line with democratic values, best practice, and international norms and standards,” reads the statement.

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