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The current Speaker of the National Assembly
Hon. P. T. C. Skelemani, PH, MP.
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According to Section (59) of the Constitution of Botswana there shall be a Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected by the Members of the Assembly from among persons who are Members of the Assembly or from among persons who are not Members of the Assembly.
The role of the Speaker shall be as follows:
- To serve as head of the National Assembly, and he or she shall safeguard and maintain the independence and authority of the National Assembly.
- To preside, with complete impartiality over Parliamentary debates and he or she shall protect the freedom of speech and debate in the National Assembly and its Committees.
- To protect the right of all Members of Parliament including the minority and be the guardian of the privileges of the National Assembly.
- To perform the duties of the spokesperson of the National Assembly in its relations with other organs of Government and with outside institutions and persons.
- To represent the National Assembly in conferences, seminars and workshops as leader of delegations. In such representation, the Speaker shall be accountable to the National Assembly and to all its members.
- Be responsible for the administration of Parliament and for ensuring that the staff provides Parliament and its Members with quality service.
- To develop Parliament through reform and transformative changes in order to enable Parliament to play its institutional role by promoting the principle of checks and balances.
- To advance the cause of interests and welfare of Members of Parliament and the staff of Parliament.
- To chair All – Party Caucus meetings and or briefings not related to government business.
Former Speakers of the National Assembly:
Hon. Dr. A. M. Merriweather, O.B.E, MP
1st Speaker of the National Assembly
1965 - 1968 |
Hon. A. A. F. Lock, MP
2nd Speaker of the National Assembly
1968 - 1978 |
Hon. J. G. Haskins, O.B.E, J.P, MP
3rd Speaker of the National Assembly
1979 - 1989 |
Hon. M. P. Nwako, PH, MP
4th Speaker of the National Assembly
1989 - 1999 |
Hon. M. R. Molomo, PH, MP
5th Speaker of the National Assembly
1999 - 2004 |
Hon. P.K. Balopi, MP
6th Speaker of the National Assembly
2004 - 2009 |
Hon. Dr M. N. Nasha, PH, MP
7th Speaker of the National Assembly
2009 - 2014 |
Hon. G. K. T. Kokorwe, PH, MP
8th Speaker of the National Assembly
2014 - 2019 |
Hon. P. T. C. Skelemani, PH, MP
9th Speaker of the National Assembly
2019 to date |
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The current Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly,
Hon. M. Moatlhodi, MP.
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The National Assembly shall be presided over by the Deputy Speaker in the absence of the Speaker; or in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, such Member of the Assembly may be elected for that sitting.
Former Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly:
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Hon. G. G. Sebeso, MP
1965 - 1989
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Hon. E. S. Masisi PH, PMS, MP
1989 - 1993
1994 - 1999
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Hon. L. Makgekgenene, MP
1993 - 1994
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Hon. B. K. Temane, MP
1999 - 2004
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Hon. G. K. T. Kokorwe, MP
2004 - 2008
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Hon. T. D. Mogami, MP
2008 - 2009
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Hon. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP
2009 - 2014
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Hon. K. P. Molatlhegi, MP
2014 - 2019
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Hon. M. Pule, MP
2019 - 2021
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Hon. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP
2021 - to date
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