2025 under Boko’s rule

Adam Phetlhe

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

To evaluate President Duma Boko’s performance, one year into his term, I will look at the three arms of government being the presidency, parliament and the judiciary. This will give a clear picture whether or not a new Botswana is in the offing.

The Presidency

Section 47(1) of the Botswana Constitution provides that “The executive power of Botswana shall vest in the President, and subject to the provisions of this Constitution, shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him.” This provision means the Constitution grants the President exclusive power to amongst others, ensure that laws passed by parliament are enforced through relevant institutions; that he solely appoints heads of key government institutions like the Chief Justice and the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force through the applicable provisions of the Constitution. By no small measure, the President is the most powerful individual in Botswana. While he directly appoints the Chief Justice, he indirectly I would say, has a say on who becomes the Speaker.