Dramatic session of the 11th Parliament :: Mmegi Online

After the marathon constitutional case, election of the four Specially Elected Members of Parliament (MPs), the swearing in of MPs, Election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker and the endorsement of the Vice President, the State of the Nation Address by His Excellency the President and the intense debates on numerous issues: Parliament has concluded the first meeting of the first session of the eleventh Parliament on Friday 12 December, 2014 and has adjourned sine die.

It was a hectic sitting for Members of Parliament who started work almost straight from the campaigns. Most MPs have now acclimatised to the new conditions including the decorum in the house, rules and procedures.

The 11th Parliament is somewhat different from previous ones in its demographics. It is relatively youthful with young MPs from both sides of the aisle, the youngest being 32-years- old. It also has elders including the Mother of the House and a few others. Furthermore, while the previous one only had a woman opposition MP towards the end of its life, this Parliament started with a woman MP in the opposition. Women are still not adequately represented in the house. Research has shown that Parliament of Botswana is one of the few that changes MPs after every election.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.