Morwaeng defends defiant legislators, blames opposition
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 9, 2024 10:40
Speaking to the media on Thursday, he stated that the defiant MPs were merely exercising their constitutional rights. 'As a democratic nation, we respect the right of members to vote according to their conscience. However, it is unfortunate that this has resulted in denying Batswana a constitutional bill that could have advanced their interests. We intended to incorporate provisions on health rights, education rights, the right to strike, and work rights into the constitution. This bill was a significant step forward,' he explained.
Morwaeng also called on Batswana to vote against opposition parties in the upcoming elections. He asserted that the government had completed all necessary steps for the constitutional review process, and that the Commission had properly followed the procedures, including issuing a report and recommendations.
He also highlighted that the Bill aimed to make the Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) more neutral in terms of tribal representation and, furthermore, to increase the number of Dikgosi (chiefs). Additionally, the Bill sought to ensure that people living with disabilities, including intersex individuals, would not face discrimination. Moreover, it aimed to protect the name 'Botswana' from any changes, countering suggestions to the contrary.
Regarding the President’s proposed authority to select judges, Morwaeng noted that the Bill includes a clause requiring the formation of a committee to collaborate with the President in the process. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that no further action can be taken at this time, as Parliament has rejected the Bill, which is the body responsible for enacting laws. Meanwhile, at the BDP national congress, President Mokgweetsi Masisi had said if Parliament rejects the Bill because some of the BDP legislators do not vote with them, they will return it, in an event they win elections. Masisi had anticipated that some of his party members would not support them. However, Morwaeng failed to account where some MPs of his party members were when the Bill was brought before Parliament. President has used his powers according to the constitution to dissolve Parliament on Thursday.