Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Honourable Dumelang Saleshando, welcomed the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Giles Eliot Enticknap, in a courtesy call this morning. The meeting focused on key democratic reforms, strengthening institutions, and fostering stronger ties between Botswana and the United Kingdom.
Hon. Saleshando highlighted that Botswana experienced significantly different results in the last election. He noted that the country had undergone one of its key democratic tests, with a smooth transition of power. “I think that the greater focus now will be on how we strengthen our democratic institutions,” he remarked. However, he expressed concerns that Botswana lags behind in some aspects of democratic development compared to countries that gained independence later.
One of his major concerns was the declining representation of women in Parliament, which he described as one of the lowest since independence. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms and pointed out that there is general consensus across the political divide on necessary electoral changes. He specifically mentioned the need to reconsider the first-past-the-post electoral system and explore alternative models that could enhance female representation.
For his part, HE Mr. Enticknap reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s long-standing partnership with Botswana. Since his arrival, he said his mission has been to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations, with a focus on supporting Botswana’s economic diversification. He revealed that the British Council is keen on playing a larger role in the energy sector. Furthermore, he expressed interest in strengthening Botswana’s democratic institutions, including supporting Parliament through knowledge exchanges. His role, he stated, is also to promote Botswana as an attractive destination for UK investors.
Hon. Saleshando reiterated that there are areas of agreement between the ruling and opposition parties, especially regarding green energy. He pointed out that the President, in his State of the Nation Address, and the Vice President, in the Budget speech, both emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. As a Member of Parliament for a constituency where major businesses rely more on solar power than on the national grid, Hon. Saleshando underscored the importance of encouraging solar adoption at a smaller scale.
Regarding institutional reforms, Hon. Saleshando stressed that Parliament should lead the way. He recalled a past mission to the UK, initiated by former Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Margaret N. Nasha, aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight. He noted efforts to introduce a system similar to the UK’s Prime Minister’s Question Time but lamented that the final model fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, reforms led to the introduction of Ministers’ Question Time and queries directed at the Leader of the House. However, he expressed concern that the current Leader of the House is a minister rather than the Vice President, making direct engagement with the President and Vice President more difficult.
Hon. Saleshando also highlighted the opposition’s efforts to introduce the concept of a shadow cabinet, which remains relatively new in Botswana’s political landscape. He proposed amendments to Parliament’s Standing Orders to grant the shadow cabinet official recognition. Additionally, he pointed out the need to support first-term Members of Parliament, who make up the majority of the current assembly. One way to address this challenge, he suggested, is by capacitating parliamentary staff to provide better guidance. He recalled that Botswana’s Parliament previously benefited from cooperation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and urged the strengthening of existing ties rather than starting afresh.
HE Mr. Enticknap concurred on the potential areas for collaboration, emphasizing that the long-standing relationship between Botswana and the UK needs to evolve with the times. He affirmed his country’s openness to new forms of partnership to support Botswana’s governance and economic growth.
In closing, Hon. Saleshando expressed his appreciation for the engagement and assured the High Commissioner that he would reflect on the discussions and provide further input during their next meeting.
