Live Parliament broadcast attracted massive public interest

However, connectivity challenges, which resulted in the disruption of some of the meetings, especially during the early days, were also experienced.

“There were power disruptions, which also resulted in the disruption of some of the meetings. The experience is that virtual meetings are usually characterised by repetitive exchanges of ‘Can you hear me?’ or reminders to un-mute the microphone.

“These problems may seem trivial, but they can hamper the momentum of a meeting. It was difficult to maintain the House decorum at times as espoused in the Standing Orders, hence there was need to suspend some of the Standing Orders right at the beginning of the meeting,” Skelemani told a press conference following the conclusion of the Budget Speech Parliament Session which ended last week Friday.

The Speaker explained that at the end of all these they have gained valuable experience and exposure which they are going to use in future.

The Parliament of Botswana is scheduled to host the 49th Virtual SADC-PF Plenary Assembly Session scheduled for June 2021.

Skelemani indicated that Parliament as one of the three Arms of Government had to continue transacting its business even during the pick of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said it was therefore necessary to take the necessary steps to protect the health of Members of Parliament and staff by complying with COVID-19 protocols.

He explained that the introduction of live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings on Botswana Television and Radio Botswana was a very good development aimed at ensuring that the public is able to follow the proceedings of Parliament.

“It is very important for the public to be informed of the business transacted by their elected representatives. This was also to complement the fact that members of the public are currently not admitted to the gallery of the National assembly due to COVID-19 protocols.

“The live broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings on Botswana Television and Radio Botswana was complemented by live streaming of proceedings on social media,” Skelemani said.