Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the National Convention Centre,
the Prime Minister indicated that the essence of the report shows that
politics are as important in human development as economics, and the
government of Lesotho is currently committed to this view.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili in his opening remarks emphasized that democracy in the cornerstone of human development. (pic.M.Kheleli)
Mr Mosisili, indicated that in promotion of development and consolidation
of democracy in Lesotho, the country shifted away from the undemocratic rule
through the democratic elections of 1993.He added that "Successful
democratic elections were held in 1998,despite the political turmoil, which
followed those election, it was a step forward in the development of
democracy in the country".
He indicated that the bitter experiences in an effort to bring about
democracy in Lesotho have bored the country glorious blessing as now a new
parliament has been born in Lesotho out of the 1998 political disturbances.
In the Sixth Parliament of Lesotho, 10 political parties out of the 19 in
the country, are represented. He said, the presence of 12 female senators
and 14 women in the National Assembly marks a positive and impressive
development. He added that the four female Ministers and two female
assistant ministers in the present government is yet another milestone.
In her remarks at the launching ceremony, the Resident Representative of
UNDP, Ms Scholastica Kimaryo indicated that the central message of the
report is that effective governance is central to human development, and
lasting solutions need to go beyond such narrow issues and be firmly
grounded in democratic politics in the broadest sense.
Ms. Scholastica Kimaryo, resident representative of UNDP delivering a keynote speech at the ceremony.(pic. M.Kheleli)
"In other words, not democracy as practiced by any particular country
or
group of countries-but rather a set of principles and core values that allow
poor people to gain through participation, while protecting them from
arbitrary, unaccountable actions in their lives by governments,
multinational corporations and other forces", she said.
Among those who attended the ceremony were also the government Ministers,
members of Parliament, Traditional and Religious leaders, members of
Diplomatic Corps, staff members in the United Nations system.
24 July, 2002