Africa-Press – Botswana. Members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi on April 29 started the debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill.
The bill was presented to Ntlo Ya Dikgosi by Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng.
Minister Morwaeng told dikgosi that according to the Constitution, amendments should first be presented in Ntlo ya Dikgosi before being addressed in Parliament.
He highlighted that the bill was developed following the approval of recommendations from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana, as outlined in Government Paper NO 1 of 2023.
The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, established the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on December 17, 2021. This marked the first comprehensive inquiry into the Constitution, following two previous reviews that focused on specific sections.
The Commission was tasked with gathering input from the people of Botswana, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution, and determining any necessary amendments based on public feedback.
After conducting meetings in all 57 constituencies, the Commission submitted a report to the President with 93 recommendations, comprising 31 relating to the constitution, 39 relating to primary legislation and 23 relating to policy.
Several notable recommendations in the bill include enshrining the right to health, education, and work in the constitution, ensuring protection against discrimination based on intersexuality and disability, and introducing measures such as disqualifying former presidents serving 10 years from active politics and preventing Specially Elected Members of Parliament from holding office if they change political allegiance after election.
Moreover, Mr Morwaeng said the proposed amendments aimed to improve the selection process of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi members in a fairer manner, provide provisions for renaming the country through a referendum, and authorise the President to schedule general elections as per the Electoral Act.
During the discussions, chairperson Kgosi Puso Gaborone emphasised the importance of deliberating on the overall merits and principles embedded in the bill.
Last month Mr Morwaeng tabled the bill in a virtual Parliament session for first reading.
Thed bill was then refferred to Ntlo Ya Dikgosi where members will make their input.
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