24 Jul 2015

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale, has, today, resigned from his positions as minister and specially elected Member of Parliament.

In both his letters to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and to the Speaker, Ms Gladys Kokorwe, Mr Molale stated that, "the sole purpose of this resignation is to allow me to contest and represent the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the Goodhope-Mabule Constituency in the forthcoming bye-election."

A press release from BGCIS stated that, in his letter to the Speaker, Mr Molale further referred to Section 35(5)(a) of the Electoral Act [CAP.02:09], which provides as follows:

"No person may be nominated for election;
(a) in more than one constituency or while such a person is a Member of the National Assembly..." adding that:

"In accordance with this provision, this is to inform you that I have decided to resign as Specially Elected Member of Parliament, as a hereby do, with immediate effect."

In his letter to the President, Mr. Molale also referred to Section 42(3)(i) of the Constitution that provides as follows:

"Appointments to the office of Minister or Assistant Minister shall be made by the President from among members of the National Assembly..." He further stated that, "in accordance with this provision read with section 35(5)(a) of the Electoral Act, this is to inform you that I have decided to resign as Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, as I hereby do, with immediate effect."

This past weekend Mr Molale won the BDP primary election to represent the party in the forthcoming bye-election, which is to be held in August 15. Ends