A trully earth-shattering political development recently occured in our parliament. Not surprisingly most of the mainstream "independent" news media either did not notice the political significance of the move, or being BDP at the core, feared possible repercussions on BDP's lack of accountability.
The leader of the opposition, Duma Boko was rightly critisizing President Khama's government for "approving" some P800 million without presenting it to parliament for debate and approval, or rejection! It boggles the mind how any responsible politician in Parliament can accept Khama's signature as the only necessary authority for such humongous expenditure, given the vast amounts of money that just disappear without trace (dwt) under Khama's government: P38 million (dwt) at Water Utilities Corporation; P38 million (dwt) at Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board; Several billions (dwt) at the Fenghue Glass factory in Palapye etc.
Fortunately, in the midst of the snoring majority BDP MPs there are still some who are willing to "take risks" in pursuit of their oath/vow to protect the interests of the motherland. They do not fear to take a firm stand against the dictates of their party leaders, where the interests of the country (their electorates) are being abused willy-nilly. The member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Paulson Majaga is such an MP. Despite him being a BDP MP, he backed the leader of Opposition in voicing his opposition to President Khama "authorising" close to a billion Pula without Parliament's approval. Such MPs are an invaluable asset to the national psyche. Their existence in our Parliament gives us reason to hope that even with the continuous rigging that our elections are subject to, the government may one day fall through a vote of no confidence.
It is for this reason that in my view the BDP should seriously consider promoting the member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Paulson Majaga, to the position of Party President. Paulson Majaga as President would probably not be enough to save BDP from the chop at the next (hopefully, unrigged) elections, but his sense of accountability would be like a breeze of fresh air as compared to the current stifling BDP administration.
