Members of Parliament who serve as Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees, along with Parliament staff members, are currently attending a workshop on Pre-legislative Scrutiny, Oversight, and Effective Public Consultations at Protea Hotel in Gaborone. The workshop brings together representatives from the Parliament of Denmark (Folketing) and the French National Assembly, as well as international expert scholars, to exchange knowledge and discuss the role of parliaments in lawmaking and public engagement.
The event aims to strengthen parliamentary capacity for effective legislative scrutiny and oversight by fostering mutual learning between the parliaments of Botswana, Denmark, and France. Participants will share experiences, challenges, and successful practices that can enhance Botswana’s legislative processes.
A Collaborative Effort for Stronger Democracy
The workshop is organized as part of the Inter Pares Partnership with the National Assembly of Botswana. Inter Pares – Parliaments in Partnership is an EU-funded global project designed to enhance the capacities of partner country parliaments. It focuses on improving their legislative, oversight, representative, budgetary, and administrative functions. The initiative is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Opening Remarks by Clerk of the National Assembly
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Gabriel G. G. Malebang, Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), emphasized the significance of capacity building in parliamentary roles. He highlighted the need for legislators to equip themselves with effective tools, best practices, and innovative strategies to navigate an increasingly complex political landscape.
“The importance of capacity building in our parliamentary roles cannot be overstated. As we navigate the complex political landscape, it becomes even more vital to equip ourselves with effective tools, best practices, and innovative strategies,” said Dr. Malebang.
He urged participants to remain focused on the ultimate goal—better service to constituents and the promotion of democratic values. He also extended gratitude to the European Union for funding the program, acknowledging its role in enhancing parliamentary effectiveness.
Dr. Malebang further explained that the program is financially supported by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and managed by the European Commission in collaboration with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Parliament. He noted that the implementation is led by International IDEA with expertise drawn from EU Member States’ Parliaments.
Botswana Among Selected Parliaments for Support
In January 2023, the EU and International IDEA launched the second phase of a three-year program aimed at strengthening representative and inclusive democracy. Botswana was among the select few parliaments chosen to receive support.
The program officially began in Botswana in March 2023 with an assessment phase, followed by implementation, which commenced on June 4, 2024. It is scheduled to run until April 2025.
The ongoing workshop, which began yesterday, is set to conclude tomorrow, March 19, 2025. The discussions and exchanges are expected to contribute significantly to Botswana’s legislative development, ensuring stronger oversight, better public consultation, and more effective lawmaking processes.
