What they say about the Constitutional Review Report

Reactions the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana followed as soon as their report was made public. Here are some of the reactions that were made public through social media:

DID COMMISSIONERS FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS?

The mandate and expected outcome of the Dibotelo Commission of Enquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana seems to have been lost in the translation: from what Batswana said and what the English version of the report (I have not yet heard of a

Setswana one), found and recommended to President Masisi and his cabinet.

The BDP and Masisi wanted the Commissioners to correct the present truncated version that is the outcome of piece-meal amendments of the constitution the nation is using today.

Therefore, the report emanates and is the fulfillment of the 2019 BDP promise to mandate Dibotelo and his 18 baetsana to comprehensively review our entire constitutional framework.

Meanwhile, no one promised Batswana that there shall be a more transparent, rigorous and participatory review and reform of our constitution.

So the jury is still out in determining how Dibotelo’s diligently prepared report fits into the overall constitutional amendment process as prescribed by the existing constitution and Botswana law practice.

In case you have forgotten, President Mokgweetsi Masisi instructed the Presidential Commission of inquiry into the review of the Constitution of Botswana to ascertain from the people of Botswana, their views on the operation of the Constitution and, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution; assess the adequacy of the Constitution, in particular by – asserting Botswana’s identity, principles, aspirations and values which are; Promoting and protecting people’s rights; promoting equality; and promoting national unity and democracy.

It will also articulate the concerns of Botswana as regards the amendments that may be required for a review of the Constitution; conduct inquiries and obtain information from sources that the Commission considers relevant in the execution of its mandate; make any recommendations on the review or amendment of the Constitution and upon completion of its inquiry, the Commission shall submit a report with recommendations to the president not later than the end of September, 2022. Did the Commissioners do what they were asked to do? [SECHELE SECHELE]