Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
Oarabile Mosikare
18 November 2008
Francistown — Botswana's democracy and national planning processes are Confused, according to Botswana Congress Party (BCP) secretary general, Taolo Lucas, speaking at the launch of Francistown South parliamentary candidate, Vain Mamela and his council running mates.
"Parliament is ignored on major decisions involving huge sums of money. The presidential initiatives announced pay very little attention to the 2008/2009 budget passed by parliament. National Development Plan 9 has become just another document as it hardly guides development planning. Vision 2016, a collective blueprint for Batswana, has given way to the 4Ds which are for all intents and purposes a personal construction for the Khama presidency," Lucas said.
He asserted that discipline is the key word and added that while the word has diverse meanings, in the context of the current presidency, it refers only to military discipline.
"This sort of discipline means curtailment of debate and rigorous discussions on national issues. It fosters sycophancy and a 'Yes Sir' mentality. It requires all of us to kow-tow to the ultimate authority," charged Lucas.
On the economic front, Lucas said the country was 'muddling' through economics. "There is neither an economic philosophy nor a plan informing any decisions," he added. The secretary general described this as a case of 'throwing money at problems' and decried that rational planning was dead.
He urged Batswana to reject militarisation of the country's democracy. He added that at BCP, they believe in an economic dispensation in which the public and private sectors work together to diversify the economy and create jobs.
Lucas said as they approach the 2009 general election, they wish those who have shown confidence in their party to remain focused on their mission to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party.
"We will maintain our record of good discipline, exemplary conduct and commitment to the values of democracy, social justice and human rights," he swore.
He said they will continue to fine-tune their strategies with a view to consolidate their support and register an impressive performance in the coming elections.
For his part, Mamela pleaded with the Francistown South electorates to vote for him and his team of council aspirants.
He described his running mates as mature and people-oriented.
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