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Masisi is empowered to drop Dikoloti-Academic

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday October 2, 2024 09:40

Associate Professor Tachilisa Balule of the Law Department at the University of Botswana (UB) has stated that President Mokgweetsi Masisi holds the authority to remove the Minister of Health, Edwin Dikoloti, from the Cabinet and replace him with an existing assistant who is already part of the Executive. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
 
Associate Professor Tachilisa Balule of the Law Department at the University of Botswana (UB) has stated that President Mokgweetsi Masisi holds the authority to remove the Minister of Health, Edwin Dikoloti, from the Cabinet and replace him with an existing assistant who is already part of the Executive. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

However, Balule pointed out that the President cannot appoint someone from outside Cabinet in the current situation, where there are no Members of Parliament available.

'It is the President’s prerogative to decide who remains in Parliament and who does not. He can replace Dikoloti with his deputy, knowing that this would be a temporary measure since 2024 General Election is approaching,' said Balule.

He added that the Constitution grants Cabinet members the power to serve until a new government is formed, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities. Furthermore, once the new government takes office, the President will have the opportunity to select new Cabinet ministers. Balule concluded by stating that it would be honourable for Dikoloti to resign, as it is evident that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) no longer supports him.

He said the working environment also would not be conducive for Dikoloti since the President would not trust him. Balule said even if government and the party are different, political bickerings do affect the government’s running. By the time of writing, Dikoloti was still a Minister and that was even confirmed by party spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse.

On Wednesday September 25, 2024, Dikoloti got suspended for two months by the party president Masisi for taking his party to court.

In the suspension letter, Masisi said:“ I hereby suspend you with immediate effect as a member of the party for a period of 60 days pending investigation into the above allegations and/or disciplinary action in light of the reports made regarding your conduct.” Meanwhile, Mmegi has learnt that at the time of writing, the BDP was briefing its members about the decision it took regarding the area candidacy and the suspension of Dikoloti.