The Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) held a workshop for members of the Senate on the Lesotho National Reforms proposal contained in the Omnibus Constitutional Bill (11th Amendment to the Constitution Bill) in Maseru on Monday.
When opening the workshop, the President of the Senate, Mrs. Mamonaheng Mokitimi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Law and Justice, UNDP, EU, NRA and other relevant stakeholders who found it befitting to hold the workshop for the Senators.
She noted that this workshop will go down in history as one of the greatest opportunities that the Senators had to pave the way for the future of Basotho, saying this golden opportunity for the Senators to scrutinise and deliberate on this highly anticipated Bill that Basotho hope it brings peace, stability and efficiency on service delivery once it becomes a law.
Also speaking was the Minister of Law and Justice, Adv. Lekhetho Rakuoane who said a reform places a major responsibility on the leadership of a country to rally the rest of society towards a new way of thinking about their country.
He noted that the workshop aims to brief and discuss with the Senators about the proposed amendments to the constitution as recommended in the Multi-Stakeholders National Dialogue Plenary II Report.
He further noted that this will be a platform for the participants to create and share a common view on the proposed amendments to the Constitution.
The UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Amanda Mukwashi Commended the government of Lesotho for its leadership, direction, and commitment to complete the reforms agreed upon by the Basotho.
She stressed that the successive governments since the aftermath of the unfortunate events of 2014 have remained faithful and focused on the reforms, saying staying committed has inspired the Basotho people and gave confidence to the international community that indeed the government is keen to lead the transformation of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
She stressed that the 11th Constitutional Amendment Bill is before Parliament, therefore this workshop is taking place at the right time and its importance cannot be understated, noting that the Senate as the Upper House shall have the final say on this Bill, hence the need to have Senators get deep inside on what is contained in the document ahead of the debate.
She, therefore, assured the stakeholders that the UN remains committed and shall continue rallying international support, development partner coordination, and mobilization of resources to ensure the implementation of the reforms remain on course.
On the same token, European Union Representative, Ms. Paola Amendei said the passing of the Omnibus Bill is a crucial step in advancing the National Reforms Process, allowing its implementation after a process that stretched over many years and saw the involvement of the whole nation.
She noted that the reforms are a promise for a better future, more political stability, transparency, and accountability of governance are all positive outcomes of the National Reforms Process.
The three-day workshop is expected to end on Wednesday.
By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi
