Kudos to the Delimitation Commission

Mmegi Editor | Monday February 27, 2023 06:00

It is, however, apparent that the recommendations of the Commission have been influenced by needs analysis as the population of villages and towns continue to grow and that suit such recommendations.

Usually, qualms are that the ruling elite could have ordered the Delimitation Commission so that the end beneficiary is the party in power and not necessarily the nation. The feeling usually is that delimiting constituency boundaries is the first line of ‘rigging’ the elections.

No matter how good the recommendations of the delimitation exercise may seem, politicians from the opposite sides are usually gripped by trepidation that the ruling party might use the opportunity to set itself up ahead of the General Election.

The Delimitation Commission, which is appointed every 10 years, comes after a comprehensive national population and housing census had been conducted to give guidance to the process of delimiting constituency boundaries. The exercise is provided for in the Constitution of Botswana.

We have noted that in its recommendations, the Justice Mokwadi Chris Gabanagae-led Commission, which was appointed on May 13, 2022, has recommended additional four constituencies in line with a parliamentary motion, which approved the increase of political constituencies from 57 to 61.

From the report submitted to President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently, the Commission cannot be faulted, as there seems to be logic in their work.

In the North-West District, an additional constituency known as Maun North has been added. The area has been having Maun East and Maun West. Mochudi East and Mochudi West have been recommended to change to Kgatleng East and Kgatleng West with an additional constituency known as Kgatleng Central.

Mogoditshane, the biggest village by population in Botswana, couldn’t resist being split into two constituencies of Mogoditshane East and Mogoditshane West just like the Okavango constituency has now been split into Okavango East and Okavango West.

We call upon the Office of the President to note that the delimiting of constituencies’ process will be even more credible if the recommendations of the commissioners are taken seriously and implemented. What is key is that the Commission arrived at their recommendations after carefully listening to the concerns of Batswana at different villages and towns.

President Masisi and his party should not look at the selfish needs of their party (Botswana Democratic Party) only, but should instead look at the broader picture. We know they have certain privileges and may not consider the Commission’s recommendations in their entirety especially when they feel they could be disadvantaged. To the Commission, we say kudos for a balanced report.

Today’s thought

“Fairness is what justice is”

-Potter Stewart