The Botswana National Front (BNF) and the Botswana Movement For Democracy (BMD) are reportedly working towards forming a parliamentary coalition to reclaim the position of Leader of the Opposition, insiders have disclosed to The Telegraph.
After surviving a coup d’├®tat on Friday, Leader of the Opposition, Botsalo Ntuane, was this week deposed from the position after Speaker of the National Assembly Margaret Nasha declared the position vacant following a successful motion by Tswapong North MP, Prince Maele.
On Monday, the leadership of the two parties held a night vigil to ponder on Speaker of the National Assembly’s decision to declare the post vacant.
The BNF team was led by party president, Duma Boko, who was accompanied by Moeti Mohwasa as well as all the BNF MPs.
Botsalo Ntuane led the BMD team of MPs composed of party chair, Nehemiah Modubule, Wynter Mmolotsi, Odirile Motlhale and Gilbert Mangole among others.
The BNF leader is expected to take the issue to his party’s central committee for further consultation, while the BMD officials have been tasked with consulting further on how to make the whole alliance work effectively.
The parties have agreed that if the idea is endorsed fully, both parties will alternate the position of Leader of the Opposition.
Ntuane is expected to lead the coalition before handing over to either BNF Vce President Isaac Mabiletsa or Abram Kesupile.
According to the Parliamentary Standing Orders, the Speaker shall designate a Leader of Opposition from an opposition party with an absolute majority. The standing orders do not have room for a tie but can accommodate a coalition if the arrangement is formalized.
As it stands both the BNF and BMD are at par, with six MPs each, while the other opposition party BCP has only 5.
