05 Sep 2024

Rejection of the Constitutional Amendment Bill by Parliament will deny Batswana the basic fundamental right to education, health and work. 

Addressing the media in Gaborone yesterday the Minister for State President Mr Kabo Morwaeng expressed disappointment that Parliament rejected the Bill on Wednesday. 

“Wednesday was a sad day as members of the opposition party walked out of Parliament” and did not participate in the constitutional review, adding that the amendment involved a detailed process that required broad consensus and approval of the majority in Parliament.

He said for the Bill not to be approved reflected the high threshold set to ensure that any changes of the Constitution were agreed upon by the majority, adding that lack of consensus among parliamentarians led to the rejection.

Mr Morwaeng said there had been thorough consultations as President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi had appointed a committee to consult with Batswana as a whole.

He said strong traditional consultation involving communities was done in every constituency through kgotla meetings, adding this was a crucial step as it formed a key aspect of governance in Botswana.

Nevertheless, Mr Morwaeng said even though the Bill did not pass, the government would continue to operate in transparency promoting good governance.

He said the ruling party continued to respect the views of the majority and would not impose its views on those opposing.

The minister further said Botswana as a democratic country that respected individuals and majority perspective, had a reputation for promoting stability and democratic values while navigating the complexities of government and societal differences. Ends