Now, with that said. I do beleve that the president should be directl elected, instead of this arcane system that is now in place. The President should be accountable to the people and not just the BDP. In tht regard, I dont see why MP’s should not be directly elected. The Parties have too much control. If I am member of the BDP, I should be able to run in any constituency I like, Again, let the people decide. If they don’t want me than so be it. Now, you have a situation were the party leaders get to decide who gets to run in a certain constituency. This puts too much power in party bosses hands. Let the people run freely for election and let the people decide freely who should represent them. this will instill the parties (all parties) with fresh ideas and will make them more independent.

The Media Practioners Bill was a step backward for Botswana democracy. But where was the public outcry. Batswana have shown that they are too timid. A major consitutional right such as freedom of the press was trampled upon and no one outside of the media really says much Civil society is non-existence, the unions are co-opted and academics are too fat and happy and dependent to raise the issue. Only a few courageous students and the media themselves said anything. Where were the lawyers, judges, human rights activists to speak on the issue. Sad really, but Batswana’s silence will eventually lead to the erosion of your rights. When we wake up it may be too late.

Wake up my friends, Wake Up!