The Prime Minister says reforms are for all Basotho including different organisations, Judiciary and Leaders, thus the government saw it befitting to be loyal to reforms pillars which include transparency and inclusivity.
This, the Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane expressed during the National Reforms discussion held in Maseru on Wednesday.
He said the reforms are critical to the new government, saying the latter received reports on reforms from different ministries, especially the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. He also said the reforms did not see the light of day when the 10th Parliament ended last year.
He, therefore, emphasised the need to strive to ensure that the 10th Amendment to the Constitution Bill or Omnibus Bill is passed through a partnership with the Parliament and other stakeholders.
He said the understanding is that it will be divided into two, that is in a simple majority, 2/3 majority and referendum, saying once divided in Parliament, all stakeholders will plan on establishing the centre that will work on reforms.
He said once the centre is established, the government and stakeholders will have to ensure unity, peace and stability as well as reconciliation among Basotho.
He indicated that Lesotho’s peace was disrupted for a long time and was mocked internationally and it is high time her image and dignity were restored.
“We are a nation founded on peace and unity, our great founder King Moshoeshoe I, built Lesotho on a foundation of consensus, peace and diplomacy,” he said.
He, therefore, said the meeting afforded an opportunity to look back and exemplify brotherly and sisterly love and respect as they forge meaningful cooperation among themselves for the benefit of Basotho.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Nthomeng Majara reminded the participants that the Omnibus Bill was nullified by the constitutional court as well as other Bills before the general elections.
Justice Majara said after the elections, the new government had to familiarise itself with the National Reforms through meetings with relevant stakeholders, saying this meeting engaged the Judiciary to get their opinions after the government presentation on reforms.
Lesotho’s journey of reforms started in 2018 with districts consultations with the diaspora and several other activities, from the First and Second Multi Stakeholders (FSMS) meetings where comprehensive reforms report covering seven areas being constitution, security, economy, judiciary, public service, Parliament and media was presented to the mediator, Justice Dikgang Moseneke on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Source: LENA 19/04/2023
