The turning point in the country’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy was perhaps most explicitly expressed at the recent official opening of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the 13th Parliament by Speaker of the National Assembly Dithapelo Keorapetse at Parliament Buildings in Gaborone.
This unprecedented move demonstrates a bold step toward addressing growing concerns about the quality of deliberations, frequent disruptions and the seemingly perfunctory parliamentary proceedings of the past. Certainly, the 13th Parliament is poised to adopt transformative reforms geared toward strengthening Botswana’s parliamentary democracy.
As Keorapetse aptly put it, “this inaugural official opening of Parliament’s legislative business represents a deliberate institutional statement that the legislature ought not to be an appendage of the Executive, but a co-equal branch of Government, operationally independent and constitutionally empowered.” Echoing the Speaker’s sentiments, Leader of the House and Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, noted that Parliament is much more than a building where laws are debated and passed.
“It is the People’s House. It is where the voices of Batswana find expression, where Government is held to account, where national issues are openly debated and where decisions are taken that shape the future of our Republic.”
Mohwasa highlighted public expectations, saying citizens are looking to Parliament for leadership, accountability and practical solutions to the challenges they face daily. Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Maun North, Dumelang Saleshando, underscored the importance of democratic maturity, saying legislators should leave the 13th Parliament stronger than they found it. In previous meetings and sessions, the shrinking role of Parliament was eloquently demonstrated. This was especially evident during the 12th Parliament, when, contrary to convention and well-established rules of procedure, Parliament appeared to operate in a disruptive mode, with a practically constrained role, except to abide by the dictates of the front bench.
In essence, this 13th Parliament looks set to take immediate legislative measures to avoid the recurrence of similar situations. Reflecting on this, Mohwasa noted that some citizens feel parliamentary debates have not always translated into tangible improvements in their daily lives, while others believe political differences have overshadowed the urgent responsibility of delivering results.
Against this backdrop, Mohwasa challenged legislators to work harder, listen more carefully and ensure that the work of Parliament continues to improve the lives of Batswana. Interestingly, the Speaker emphasized the need to improve the quality of laws and reinforce Parliament’s oversight function.
He added that there is a need to strengthen public participation in the law-making process by allowing members of the public to engage in committee hearings dealing with Bills and policies.
This participatory approach will enrich debate, promote transparency and ensure that laws and policies are the outcome of a plurality of voices, Keorapetse said. This transformation process, particularly the developments of this Session, constitutes a new high point in the functioning of Parliament and its democratic institutions. Given the recent unprecedented developments in parliamentary practice, the introduction of suitable deterrent measures, led by both the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition, party whips, as well as relevant committees and parliamentary leadership structures, to prevent disruptions and ensure the seamless conduct of parliamentary business is worthy of commendation.
It is where Government is held accountable and it is where future generations will judge whether we were faithful stewards of the Republic,” Saleshando noted. For the 13th Parliament to shift the tide, it would be better to recognize reality as it exists and take the necessary measures to improve the situation on the ground, rather than remain under a grand illusion about the sovereignty of Parliament and the untouchability of its procedures.
The growing urgency to transform Parliament and strengthen parliamentary democracy is premised on the understanding that all powers available to Parliament under the Constitution are, in effect, exercised by Members of Parliament. The actual role of Members of Parliament in determining policy direction and holding Government accountable for its performance is inherent in Parliament’s legislative function. As Mohwasa noted, “Democracy is strengthened, not weakened, by the exchange of different ideas. Healthy debate sharpens our thinking, improves our laws and strengthens public confidence in our institutions.”
Taking a cue from both Keorapetse and Mohwasa, Saleshando believes Parliament is where democracy acquires substance. “It is where the aspirations of ordinary citizens are examined, refined and ultimately transformed into law.
It is where Government is held accountable and it is where future generations will judge whether we were faithful stewards of the Republic,” Saleshando noted. For the 13th Parliament to shift the tide, it would be better to recognize reality as it exists and take the necessary measures to improve the situation on the ground, rather than remain under a grand illusion about the sovereignty of Parliament and the untouchability of its procedures.
As Mohwasa observed, “a high-performing Parliament is not measured simply by the number of Bills it passes. It is measured by the quality of its legislation, the effectiveness of its oversight and the confidence that citizens place in the institution,” adding that public trust remains the greatest measure of Parliament’s success. Even so, it is possible to evolve a workable and reasonable method of resourcing and strengthening Parliament. A feasible approach, without imposing an undue fiscal burden, lies in its commitment to forge partnerships, leverage advanced technologies and maintain the agility required to make good laws and transform lives. This is a minimum agenda that the 13th Parliament should consider and adopt, thereby strengthening Botswana’s democratic process for posterity.
This transformative process can propel Parliament to continue being “a beacon of democracy, accountability and hope”, in the words of Mohwasa, and indeed discharge its constitutional responsibilities with dignity, integrity and unwavering commitment to Botswana, to paraphrase Saleshando. Whatever the ultimate verdict of history, this 13th Parliament, under the stewardship of Dithapelo Keorapetse, is destined to become truly independent, inclusive and citizen-centred.
As Keorapetse enthused, “the vision of the National Assembly is clear: to build an open Parliament that is accessible, responsive, participatory and citizen-centred.” At the heart of this vision, Keorapetse added, lies a profound belief that a stronger democracy is achieved when citizens are not merely observers of governance, but active participants in shaping it.
*The author, writing in his personal capacity, is a governance and sustainability commentator.
