adminCletus Mushanawani recently in MASERU, Lesotho
DESPITE their political differences, the Basuthu last Tuesday gathered in their thousands at Setsoto Stadium for the inauguration ceremony of their new Prime Minister, Dr Pakalitha Mosisili. Zimbabwe’s second Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko was in Lesotho on a two-day official visit to attend Dr Mosisili’s inauguration ceremony attended by SADC heads of State and Government, and their representatives.
A carnival atmosphere filled the stadium from as early as 8am as supporters of the different parties in Lesotho thronged the stadium which has no match among all Zimbabwe’s stadia with its artificial turf and bucket seats to witness the occasion, the second one in two years. The first inauguration ceremony held in 2012 saw the incoming Prime Minister handing over the reins of power to the outgoing Prime Minister Dr Thomas Thabane and last Tuesday it was vice-versa.
Dr Thabane’s five-year term of office was cut short with two more years to go after the collapse of the first coalition government in Lesotho which was inaugurated in 2012.
The coalition government led by Dr Thabane and Deputy Prime Minister Metsing collapsed due to conflict and antagonism. The situation was made worse by the friction between the Lesotho Mounted Police Services and the Lesotho Defence Forces, largely at the instigation of the three Coalition Leaders namely former Dr Thabane of the All Basotho Convention, Chief Maseribane of the Basotho National Party and Mr Metsing of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy. There were also several cases of violence, intimidation and political intolerance.
Following the intervention of SADC, which came up with an elections roadmap as well as deploying observer mission teams from September last year, the Kingdom of Lesotho held legislative elections on February 28 and on March 4, the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced the final results.
None of the country’s 23 political parties obtained an absolute majority 61 seats in the 120-member National Assembly.
Lesotho uses the Mixed Member Proportional electoral system.
Out of 1,2 million registered voters, only a total of 563 922 voted in the elections.
Following the announcement of election results on March 4, the leader of the Democratic Congress, Dr Mosisili, signed a coalition agreement with the Lesotho Congress for Democracy led by the former Deputy Prime Minister Mothejoa Metsing and five small political parties; namely Basotho National Party (BNP), Basotho Congress Party, Lesotho People’s Congress, Marematloung Freedom Party and the Popular Front for Democracy and National Independent Party.
The total number of seats held by the seven coalition parties is 65. Mr Mothejoa Metsing retains his post as Deputy Prime Minister.
Dr Mosisili announced that the new National Coalition Government would last for five years and would be run on the basis of consultation and consensus.
Dr Mosisili also announced that Lt-Gen Kamoli and Police Commissioner Tsooane would be recalled from their leave of absence to take up their posts as Commander of Lesotho Defence Forces and Commissioner of the Lesotho Mounted Police Services respectively. All other issues would be handled by Cabinet once it is formed.
On March 10, the 120 Members of Parliament were sworn in, in a special session. Ms Ntlhoi Motsamai of the Democracy Congress was elected Speaker of Parliament by 66 out 119 votes.
She was tasked with overseeing the process of inaugurating the Prime Minister-elect.
Mr Montsuoe Lethoba of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
The elections of the leaders of Parliament set the pace last Tuesday’s event, which saw the dawning of a new era in Lesotho as supporters of the different political parties buried their electoral hatchet to witness the inauguration of the new Prime Minister.
As expected of people with different political views and ideologies, the supporters occupied different stands in the ground. They were easily distinguished by their regalia.
Dr Mosisili’s supporters were donning their red colours, while Dr Thabane’s supporters were in their yellow regalia.
The supporters freely mixed on the streets of Maseru as they made their way to the stadium and joined hands in cheering regional leaders as they made their way to the stadium, thereby creating a carnival atmosphere which unruly political elements in Zimbabwe can learn from.
The events reached went into an overdrive when Dr Mosisili was sworn into office by the country’s Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara. Deafening cheers erupted from the predominantly Democratic Congress erupted in song and dance.
Dr Thabane graceful handed over the reigns of power and said the people of Lesotho had spoken and their will should be respected.
“The people of Lesotho elected the government of their choice in elections which were described by all observers as peaceful, credible, free and fair. I whole heartedly accept the outcome of the elections results. I am publicly transferring power to my successor. The people of Lesotho are witnessing the second peaceful transfer of power in two years. The first one in 2012 saw my successor transferring power to me and today it is vice-versa. This is a hallmark of democracy for our country.
“We now need economic development and stability in our country as well as the observing of the rule of law. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the SADC community for their timely intervention which led us to where we are today,” he said.
His successor, Dr Mosisili promised to deliver and ensure stability in the country following the political instability which saw his successor temporarily seeking refuge in South Africa last year.
“The wishes and aspirations of my people will take precedence over my own. Today we are witnessing the smooth and peaceful transition of peace between political players in our country after learning from the challenges of the previous coalition. The outgoing coalition met a complex of political challenges which led to an early election before the end of its five-year term of office.
We should embrace all lessons learnt from the collapse of the previous coalition. The February 28 elections saw the people of Lesotho electing their government of choice. The results are a reflection of the will of the people of Lesotho and we respect that. The people are always right even when they are wrong, they are still right.
“I want to remind everyone that the electioneering time is behind us and the dust of elections campaigns must settle down. Everyone should work hard to rebuild our country. Peace and stability will result in economic growth of our country. I want to pledge that the new government will commit itself to confront all the challenges facing our nation with vigor and determination. We want to eradicate poverty and ensure development and economic growth,” said Dr Mosisili.
In assuring SADC’s commitment to ensure that peace prevails in Lesotho, South Africa President, Jacob Zuma who also graced the occasion, said: “SADC wants to assure the people of Lesotho that it will walk with them in their quest for peace, security and stability. We will work together to improve the lives of people through the creation of conducive atmosphere for development. I also want to assure you of SADC’s commitment to work with the new Prime Minister.”
Online Reporter