Political parties must respect freedom of expression

The alleged forced retraction of Member of Parliament Botsalo Ntuane's views on the country's certain State of affairs is a glaring example of how bad things can go when democratic principles are trampled wily nilly.

BDP as a ruling party is very significant hence we will always feel the shake whenever it loses a grip. One step in the wrong direction especially by the ruling party can lead this country into an unimaginable chaotic state of affairs. This is what motivates us to always react whenever the party shows some mismatch in terms of their actions and the ideals in which they claim to stand for.

Similarly but perhaps in inferior significance is the official opposition, especially one that holds the leadership in terms of hierarchy. Its handling of inner-party freedoms is of great interest to the citizenry generally and to us in particular. We can not vouch for the true circumstances surrounding the suspension of Member of Parliament, Nathaniel Modubule from the party but as long as allegations point to issues of freedom of expression as MISA Botswana, we can not stand by as meek observers. BNF, as an official opposition must know that it does not enjoy the luxury to be indifferent to its obligations; hence we will always put it on the spot when it loses sight. The handling of its internal affairs, as far as freedom of expression is concerned must be improved.

MISA Botswana has been observing this trend for some time and can only call upon our political parties, notable the ruling Botswana Democratic Party and the official opposition Botswana National Front to go on introspection if at all they are still championing democratic values as we know them. It is a cause for concern when political leadership endures harassment from its parties, in particular, top leadership. The fear is, if members of parliament can be so easily humiliated by their parties what of the ordinary citizenry? In his inaugural statement the president of the ruling BDP His Excellency Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama has assured Batswana that he is a democrat. Let us start seeing him walk the talk because he must be aware that his actions, positive or negative, real or perceived, have ripple effect in the society. When he allows the humiliation of his Member of Parliament in the manner Ntuane was treated, everyone down the line would be using that as a reference point and the results are terrible to imagine.

When we reacted to his inaugural speech, noting some veiled threat to freedom of expression, we did not know that it would not take long before we were vindicated. Botswana Democratic Party and any political party must pride themselves for having individuals who are able to express alternative views because that is the strength of democracy. That is what Botswana committed itself to when it recognized such in its constitution and when it signed other similar declarations.  Finally, we would like to call upon members of these political parties to guard their democracy jealously and to be vigilant on matters of governance in their organizations. We are not in any way encouraging laissez affaire behaviour in political organization but are simply saying freedom of expression is the central pillar of other freedoms. It is the members and the nation at large that stand to lose greatly when things go wrong.
We all love this country!

Thapelo Ndlovu
National Director
MISA BOTSWANA