Africa-Press – Botswana. President Duma Boko nominated his six Specially Elected Members of Parliament (SEMP) this afternoon, who were subsequently voted in by the Members of Parliament-elect. After the session, Boko explained his selection choices to the media.
The President’s choice of SEMPs for the 13th Parliament are Bogolo Kenewendo, Lesego Chombo, Pius Mokgware, Moeti Mohwasa, Dr Steven Modise. and Nono Kgafela-Mokoka.
“We wanted to be as broad as possible and bring in young women in particular with skills and visibility in society. We reckon they did not come any better than Mme Kenewendo who is BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) as far as we know. We wanted to bring her in as far as her attributes,” Boko explains.
On Miss World Africa Lesego Chombo, the President explains he considered the youth. “I asked them to give me any young person between 20, 22, and 23. We ultimately settled on Lesego Chombo. She is young and visible in society. It was a very good appointment and well received, and I hope the country will be happy to have her,” Boko says.
“We also wanted to increase the number of women. We brought in Mma (Kgafela-) Mokoka, who did well in her constituency. We also got into the young medical doctor. Rre Gaolathe and I agreed that we needed a medical doctor in Parliament, and we settled for a young dynamic excellent professional, and a lecturer of medicine, Modise,” he adds.
Commenting on Mohwasa and Mokgware, Boko believes the two are veterans and have a calming influence.
“We only had six positions and we did the best we could. We will be nominating the Speaker tomorrow and although I will not tell you who, expect a young vibrant fiery and razor-sharp person,” he hints.
Asked if he consulted all parties in the coalition: “Yes, we consulted. In the phase we are in, people are happy and jolly. So we tend to get a consensus very quickly. I hope it stays that way until the end.”
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