The distinction of leading Botswana is one which His Excellency is committed to fulfilling. In October 2019, Batswana gave him and the Botswana Democratic Party a five-year mandate to lead government. Accordingly, this high mandate deserves to be jealously guarded against doomsayers and isolated minority pursuits. Over and above Batswana’s electoral approval, His Excellency the President has the full support of Members of Parliament from his side of the aisle, myself included. This support is derived not only from Members of Parliament, but from Batswana who constitutionally voted for him in an open democratic contest.
It is alleged that a certain minority, within the opposition, is hell-bent on tabling a motion of no confidence against His Excellency the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, at the upcoming sitting of Parliament. This latest public stunt, just like the previous similar attempts, will neither have a rational basis nor enough support on the floor. I affirm with confidence that the majority of Members of Parliament support His Excellency, and they accept that collective responsibility requires us to keep our eyes on the ball and join hands, focusing on advancing Botswana. Challenging times are no time for grand standing, self- centered political mileage and political stunts.
In a democratic dispensation such as ours, the legitimacy of leading a country is derived from popular vote, through multi-party elections held after every five years, as constitutionally stipulated. Pursuant to the same spirit, no institutions, cohort or personalities are above the law or contrary to the voice of the majority voters. In Botswana, as is in other modern and progressive democracies, the rule of law and constitutionalism are the underpinnings of a genuine and majorities’ government. Therefore, Botswana’s ruling government is a creation of the popular aspirations of Batswana and the antithesis of totalitarianism and, so is the current president.
The latest sinister attempt, just like the previous ones, is devoid of any substance – there is no basis, save for an attitude that spells ‘if not me, then nobody else deserves it.’ Undeniably, our nation is challenged, just like the rest of the world. The minority within the opposition, however, is not tabling any alternatives to the commendable work that His Excellency’s leadership has done – keeping Covid-19 at bay, the preservation of many jobs through the wage subsidy, and assistance of households with food baskets, to mention but a few. It must be noted that the minority have not previously tabled a single motion. Could their maiden motion be an attempt at redemption? If it is, then it is a failed attempt and a stooping low endeavor. Let us all note that the role of Members of Parliament, including those from the opposition, is to make laws, not to attempt to delegitimize a popular vote so as to create a chance to infiltrate democracy and subverting a legitimate government, duly elected by the masses.
Let there be no doubt – we respect the minority’s right to freedom of speech and table motions, but they must be realistic and pragmatic; they have neither the numbers nor compelling reasons to oust a dedicated, focused State President. The latest plot to oust Dr. Masisi is a distraction from more pressing national issues to which His Excellency dedicates his time – something that we should all do. President Masisi will run his full course. Guaranteed!
*Kabo N. S. Morwaeng is Member of Parliament for Molepolole South
