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The Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO) has strongly condemned the Draft Bill No. 20 of 2024 which seeks to amend Section 3 of the Referendum Act to grant the President unilateral powers to hold a referendum on issues not clearly outlined in the existing legislation.
In a recent press statement, the Botswana DRC Commission expressed deep concern about the implications of the proposed amendment, especially in the context of Botswana’s ongoing constitutional review process. The amendment, which was published in the Government Gazette, Volume LXII, Issue 96, has raised alarm among civil society, fearing that it could infringe on democratic principles and the balance of power in the government.
This criticism was made during a recent speech by Minister of State Kabo Neale Sechele Morwaeng. Morwaeng announced the withdrawal of three more bills in a televised address on BTV on Saturday evening, August 3, 2024. Minister Morwaeng stressed the importance of participatory democracy and public involvement in the government’s decision-making process.
However, the Botswana People’s Union believes that the proposed Referendum Amendment Bill contradicts these principles, echoing concerns previously raised about the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2024. The Botswana People’s Union believes that this pattern reflects a disturbing trend of concentrating power in the hands of the President, which runs counter to the will of the people of Botswana.
“We are deeply concerned that granting the president unilateral authority to hold referendums on unspecified matters would further erode our nation’s democratic fabric,” a BOCONGO spokesperson said. “This move has the potential to exclude public input and undermine the principles of good governance and democratic accountability.”
The Botswana Democratic Alliance called on the government to prioritize comprehensive and inclusive public consultation on all matters of constitutional reform and major legislative change. They urged the government to act quickly to ensure that the voices of the people of Botswana are heard and respected in shaping the future of their democracy.
The Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO) is a prominent coalition of civil society organizations advocating for human rights, democratic governance and social justice in Botswana.
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