23 Jul 2013

The President of Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Mr Bethel Amadi visited Botswana on Monday. He lobbied for ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) in a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Margaret Nasha.

ACDEG was adopted by the African Union (AU) five years ago with a roadmap to encourage better governance across the continent. The charter sets out international standards of good governance and democracy in areas of rule of law, free and fair elections and condemning unconstitutional change of governance.

Since its 2007 adoption, the charter had been signed by 39 of AU member states. Botswana had not ratified it. Mr Amadi said it was important for member states to sign and domesticate the charter and other instruments agreed by the AU. He said lack of ratification for protocols was a problem pointing that over 48 legal instruments had not been ratified.

Furthermore, Mr Amadi advocated for support from Botswana in the review process of the protocol establishing PAP and the transformation of PAP. The protocol establishing PAP was adopted in 2000 and was now being reviewed with a view to enhance the functions of PAP. A draft amended protocol only gave the PAP legislative functions and not legislative powers.

Dr Nasha said AU states should abandon diplomacy and discuss issues regarding the protocol and transformation of PAP with openness. “It is something we have to negotiate seriously. I have suspicion that when we meet as African leaders we are not open and frank in our discussions,” she said.

She said though Botswana had not ratified the charter yet, the country remains committed to democracy and good governance.

PAP was established in 2004 with an objective to implement policies and objectives of the AU, and cultivate human rights and democracy in Africa. It also seeks to make sure that AU member states adhere to good governance, transparency and accountability. Botswana Parliament is represented by MPs Isaac Mabiletsa, Tshelang Masisi, Moiseraela Goya and Phillip Makgalemele. ENDS