Members of parliament, especially the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) backbench have of late taken it upon themselves to make cabinet accountable and more answerable to parliament. They have vigorously challenged many cabinet decisions. This development will without doubt strengthen one of the most important institutions in any democratic set up. Parliament should seriously debate and scrutinize policies and laws before they are passed. It should provide the checks and balances of the executive to ensure that every policy or law made is in the best interest of the people it represents.
The recent suspension of the privatization of Air Botswana through a motion tabled by MP Khumongwana Maoto, another motion demanding serious interrogation of the Security and Intelligence Services Bill before it could be made law brought about by MP Keletso Rakhudu, and the adoption of a motion calling government to consider having deliberate policy on citizen empowerment which was tabled by MP Duke Lefhoko, strongly point to the effectiveness of the BDP back bench in parliament.
Under normal circumstances, this should be the role of the opposition. However, in our case where there is a disturbing absence of a strong and vibrant opposition, the BDP backbench has taken up that role and needs to be applauded for the sterling job it is doing. It has chosen not to remain silent on issues of national interest and on many occasions it has remained defiant even in the face of immense adversity.
This really poses a serious challenge to the opposition, especially the Botswana National Front (BNF), to prove why it is still necessary if the BDP backbench can excel on the role of neutralizing the powers of the executive so well. Nevertheless, there has been a disturbing trend that MPs who are very active while in the backbench immediately go silent when they are given cabinet posts. This then gives rise to the suspicion that they use their defiance to the executive as a ladder to cabinet posts and when they get what they want, they go silent. That would be very unfortunate.
A principled MP should be guided by his or her conscience and principle. Otherwise that could kill our democracy. Democracy is all about differing to agree, regardless of whether one is a backbench MP or a cabinet minister. In a democracy, there is tolerance of divergent views and we need to thank our forefathers for choosing the path of democracy for this nation. Democracy civilizes the people and gives them a sense of pride and belonging. MPs should keep their conscience and remain themselves even when they are made cabinet ministers.
Banks Ndebele
Mogoditshane
