The Speaker of the 13th Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse, this morning paid a courtesy call on President Advocate Duma Boko at the Office of the President. The meeting focused on the state of Parliament, ongoing reforms, and the broader legislative framework in Botswana.
During the meeting, Mr. Keorapetse provided an overview of Parliament’s current operations, emphasizing the shift from a historically one-party-dominated structure to a more inclusive composition of parliamentary committees. He noted that this development ensures broader representation across all political parties.
The Speaker outlined key reform initiatives aimed at strengthening, expanding, and restructuring Parliament. Among the planned changes is the establishment of a dedicated research section to improve the quality of parliamentary submissions and debates.
For his part, President Boko reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in upholding the constitution, stating that it has the authority and responsibility to strike down laws that contradict it. However, he emphasized that since Parliament holds supreme legislative power, he expects it to play an active role in enacting, revising, and repealing laws as necessary.
“This expectation is not an attack on Parliament but rather a recognition that all institutions are subject to practical criticism to foster growth,” President Boko stated.
Mr. Keorapetse, who was appointed Speaker under Section 59 (1) of the Constitution, is the tenth Speaker of the National Assembly since Botswana gained independence in 1965. His tenure comes at a pivotal time as Parliament undertakes reforms to enhance its effectiveness and independence in the country’s governance.
Source- BWPresidency
