09 Sep 2015

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) central committee has resolved to explore possible areas for political and electoral reforms.

Speaking at the party’s monthly press briefing, BDP secretary general, Mr Botsalo Ntuane, said the Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC) would engage with party members, civil society and submit their recommendations to the central committee.

He said in order to enhance capacity, the PEEC was also mandated to identify experts to assist them on technical issues.

Mr Ntuane said in 1995, the party held a special congress that kick started the process for reforms in Botswana, culminating in a two-term limit for the Presidency, reduction of voting age from 21 to 18 years, setting up the Independent Electoral Commission and extension of voting by Batswana residing outside the country.

“That was the last time we embarked on the reform process, here we are now in 2015, we are saying PEEC, go out there and come up with recommendations.  

Mr Ntuane said Mmadinare resolution eight mandated the central committee to explore areas for possible electoral and political reforms, while resolution nine wanted the committee to explore political party funding.

He, therefore, said the central committee had given PEEC an open blank slate to come up with ideas and recommendations.

On other issues, Mr Ntuane said the BDP  condemned the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) power and water rationing march on Friday. 

However, he commended residents of Gaborone for ignoring the march because they understood that it was just a publicity stunt.

“The UDC, failed to provide a single solution to the problem of utilities, it was just a gimmick and publicity stunt that flopped, and we want to condemn the misbehaviour of the marchers, they sang rude and abusive songs about the national leadership including the President and we demand an apology from the UDC,” he said. ENDS