Boko and Saleshando Vow to Strengthen Democracy

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Boko and Saleshando Vow to Strengthen Democracy
Boko and Saleshando Vow to Strengthen Democracy

Africa-Press – Botswana. If the country’s political leaders could work together for a common purpose of entrenching national democratic culture, Botswana could set the bar high for governance for its citizens and the African continent.

This was said by President Advocate Duma Boko while welcoming the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, ahead of their private talks at the Office on the President on Friday. The two leaders pledged to work together to ensure the country’s democratic traditions were enhanced over the current parliamentary cycle.

Welcoming Mr Saleshando at his office, Advocate Boko said in the aftermath of the 2024 general elections, as elected leaders, they should focus on institutionalising the country’s democratic culture, through relevant policies, and engaging in matured, policy-centred debates.

“We need to work in the best interest of everyone in Botswana, citizens and residents,” Advocate Boko said.

He said the current Parliament should assess the country’s laws and work on improving pieces of legislation to further consolidate Botswana’s democracy. He further called for a new culture of debate, to refocus on engaging issues instead of being personal.

“We need to move to a new level where our democratic discourse is about discussing ideas and issues, engage what is truly being raised, not about falsifying the other’s viewpoint, creating a straw man fallacy where the debate is distorted and avoids the real issues raised,” President Boko said.

The President said politicians from across the divide should openly critique each other and be open to listen to those who see things from a different perspective.

For his part, Mr Saleshando said he was pleased to be working with a President who is a former Leader of the Opposition, a sentiment he said he had also extended to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Dithapelo Koorapetse in their recent meeting.

Mr Saleshando said having the executive and legislature being led by former opposition leaders should make it easier for him to work with them on how to improve his office and the various other parliamentary functions, as they understand some of the challenges his office and the legislature face.

He said given some similarities in the policies of the governing and official opposition parties- the Umbrella for Democratic Change and Botswana Congress Party, the two leaders could explore where they converge and expedite their implementation.

Where they differ, Mr Saleshando agreed with the President that they could engage in an open, robust debate, but disagree in a respectful manner.

“I can assure you that we will play our part in focusing on issues, to play the ball, not the man. Where we critique, my point of departure is that no matter how strong you feel about your position, what matters most is the national interest.,” Mr Saleshando said.

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