The National Reforms Transitional Office-NRTO convened with the multi-stakeholder to brief and engage in dialogue with stakeholders on the proposed implementation arrangements for the Tenth Amendment to the constitution Act,2025 and as well as to outline the next steps towards its operationalization.
That was the move mentioned by stakeholders as key to strengthening accountability and good governance, reforming parliament, electoral laws and the executive, even implementing recommendations from the national dialogue regarding the national reforms.
Addressing these stakeholders, The Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara, reflected back to 2014, when the country was faced with critical challenges such as political instability, interventions of regional bodies as well as escalating conflicts and setbacks within security agencies among others, saying this did not limit or force Basotho to lose hope, but rather ignited the spirit of unity among various sectors of the society.
Justice Majara reiterated that the government is working tirelessly to turn constitutional aspirations into institutional realities, in doing so, allowing every Mosotho to have part through sharing their thoughts, views as well as opinions. She said operationalisation of the 10th amendment to the constitution Act 2025, is the foundation upon which the country’s peace, prosperity as well as economic growth rest upon.
Addressing challenges that were met during National Reforms process (NRA), panelist Professor Motlamelle Kapa, President of Law society advocate Lintle Tuke as well as Representative of DPE Advocate Ts’epo Thibanyane expressed concern over the magnitude of individuals involved within the process, citing that without limiting inclusiveness element, during the operationalization of tenth amendment should carefully be considered.
They further emphasized the significance of experts being brought in at the earliest stage to avoid challenges they came across during NRA. However, on the same note, they showed an appreciation towards efforts seen during NRA structure, proposing that the same collective efforts and unity, shall remain the cornerstone of operationalization of the 10th amendment to the constitution Act 2025 for better Lesotho.
Furthermore, they urged the government to adopt recommendations made throughout the process, leaving out their personal or political parties interests aside, but being considerate of everyone who refers to Lesotho as home. Adding that, this time there should be monitoring and evaluation mechanisms put in ground to ensure the success towards operationalization of this act.
The minister of law and justice, Hon Richard Ramoeletsi stressed the 10th amendment contains about over 22 Bills, still aligning to the 7 set thematic areas being, constitutional and parliamentary reforms, governance and public service sector, Local government and traditional leadership, security sector, elections, judiciary and executive.
He said the new structure shall follow the two-tier structure, consisting of two structures from apex structure which consists of 7-13 members one from organizations, political parties, academia and youth among others while the second one shall be the secretariat consisting of support staff of experts from all seven thematic areas. The minister said it is yet to be adopted by the parliament in September this year.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
