Africa-Press – Botswana. Recommendations of the Delimitation Commission will be implemented in accordance with the law, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.
Receiving the commission’s report on Friday, President Masisi said the consultation process had proved that tranquillity and peace still reigned in the country, adding this showed respect to the rule of law from both members of the commission and the public.
“This is a true reflection of democracy. I am proud that the commission has carried out its job as per the law requires without undue interference. You were free to consult everyone and the public and all other concerned stakeholders were at liberty to air their views,” said President Masisi.
President Masisi also indicated that chairperson of the Delimitation Commission, Justice Mokwadi Gabanagae, was given the responsibility through a legal process done by the Judicial Service Commission.
Therefore, he said it was without doubt that the contents of the report were the views of the general public and stakeholders that were engaged by the commission.
“I am of no doubt that the general public will be happy with the contents of the report,” he said.
Dr Masisi noted that any other questions or issues, which required clarity were sent to the relevant authorities to assist prior to finalising the report.
He added that some of the issues raised but deemed not relevant to the report of the commission should be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
For his part, Justice Gabanagae said the contents of the report were gathered from the consultation meetings with various stakeholders.
Mr Gabanagae said the commission admitted both oral and written submissions from individuals, organisations and interested groups.
He also indicated that even though the commission had successfully carried out its mandate, the COVID-19 restrictions were a hindrance.
“Our consultation meetings were restricted to last for two hours and we would not accommodate all those that wanted to comment but I believe we have done our job diligently,” said Justice Gabanagae.
However, he said those who were not able to present their issues in such gatherings were advised to do written submissions.
He assured that written submissions were part of the report.
He revealed that the Delimitation Commission encountered questions relating to its eligibility, powers and whether it was carrying out its powers independently.
“They questioned whether the commission has the powers to influence or change the law and whether it was carrying out its duties without undue influence,” he said.
Justice Gabanagae said it was not the first time such a question was asked during the Delimitation Commission process.
“The question was not new, it was put before the previous Delimitation Commission,” he added. He also indicated that the public wanted to know if the Delimitation Commission had the power to increase the number of constituencies or make some final decisions that Parliament would not interfere with.
The Delimitation Commission was appointed on May 13, 2022, sworn in on May 27 and started consultations on June 20 at Kachikau kgotla.
Consultations were concluded on November 28.
The commission visited 104 towns and villages, where 106 consultation meetings were held at the kgotla and community halls.
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