Democracy under siege: half-asleep Parliament makes 5 laws

Third meeting of the second session of the 11th Parliament came to an end last week Friday amid drama. Last week Thursday/Friday Parliament proceedings went on for nearly 14 hours i.e. from 1400 hours until 0440 hours in the morning and at 0900 hours Friday Parliament was on session again until 1230 hours after midday.

The National Assembly received 17 Bills, 13 of which were passed with 1 presented and read the first time. Two policies were tabled and one was adopted. On questions, 303 were received and 255 were answered. Out of 127 Private Members’ motions received, only two were adopted and one negated. This sounds like a prima facie case of productivity. However, that is far from the truth as shall be demonstrated.

The Bills that were adopted and are awaiting Presidential Assent are Trade Disputes Bill (Bill No. 21 of 2015), Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (Bill No. 17 of 2015, Whistleblowing Bill, 2015 (Bill 19 of 2015), Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 3 of 2016), Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Bill No. 3 of 2016), Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority, 2016 (Bill No. 12 of 2016), Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 13 of 2016), Botswana Power Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 14 of 2016), Electoral Amendment Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 10 of 2016),  Ministerial Offices (Maximum Number) (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 2 of 2016), Judicial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No.15 of 2016), Specified Offices (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 16 of 2016) and National Assembly (Salaries and Allowances) Amendment) Bill 2016 (Bill No. 17 of 2016).

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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