PRESS STATEMENT ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICES BILL DEBATE

Function of Parliament Compromised

We, BOCONGO, DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and MISA (Botswana Chapter), wish to express our extreme disappointment at how our democratic processes are exercised.

The refusal of the members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), to support the call for a few days’ postponement of the discussion and voting on the amendments to the Intelligence and Security Services Bill, seriously calls into question, their commitment to ensuring effective participation in a functioning democracy. In response to the failure of their motion for time to be allocated to enable them to consult, prepare and submit their amendments for the Committee stage, the opposition party members walked out of Parliament on 30 July 2007.

The Intelligence and Security Services Bill is of significant national concern and goes far beyond mere political party allegiances. Refusal to support the call for deferment did not appear to be based on a responsible appreciation of the gravity of the matter before Parliament. Consequently, many of the proposed amendments before Parliament have not been considered and the Bill will be passed without full parliamentary participation. This means that the fundamental function of Parliament, namely that of making laws, has been seriously compromised.

We call upon all MPs to explore options, which would ensure that this Bill is made subject to parliamentary processes in a manner in which the basic tenets, transparency and accountability are observed.

31 July 2007

Gaborone