Africa-Press – Botswana. Leader of the House, also Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, has called on MPs to strictly adhere to Parliamentary procedures and standing orders, particularly when addressing matters involving individuals who were not present in the House.
Delivering an urgent statement in Parliament on Thursday, Mr Mohwasa expressed concern over the growing tendency by some MPs to mention names of public figures and private citizens in a manner that amounts to character attacks, often with unproven allegations.
He cautioned that while MPs enjoyed freedom of speech on matters of public interest, such freedom was not absolute and must be exercised responsibly.
“There is a worrying trend where members mention names of individuals, most of whom are not even in the House, to question their character or allege corruption without evidence. This goes against the standing orders of the National Assembly,” said Mr Mohwasa.
He highlighted that several individuals had already submitted complaints about their names being referenced in the house without the opportunity to defend themselves.
Mr Mohwasa appealed to legislators to respect Parliamentary decorum and avoid dragging uninvolved parties into debates, urging them to protect those who were not present to speak for themselves.
Backing Mr Mohwasa’s remarks, President Advocate Duma Boko underscored the importance of upholding the rules.
He reminded MPs that the standing orders prohibited defamatory remarks or imputations of improper motives against persons not present in the chamber.
“Every Member of Parliament is expected to know, in fact you are deemed to know the standing orders, ignorance is not an excuse,” President Boko said.
He emphasised the need for MPs to self-regulate, adding that failure to observe the rules undermined the integrity of the House.
“Let us trend with things that show respect,” he urged and called for a renewed effort to reinforce Parliament standards and reminded MPs that their conduct set an example for the nation.
The majority of MPs expressed support for the statement, acknowledging the importance of protecting individuals’ rights and maintaining the dignity of Parliamentary debates.
Maun West MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama supported the essence of the statement but questioned whether the Speaker had ever allowed such mentions to pass without objection. Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile argued that specific names had never been mentioned, adding that only references were often made to official positions rather than individuals.
“We never mention names directly, for instance, we refer to positions like ‘Molaodi’ and not personal names,” he said.
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