Several New Faces as Parliament Reopens

  There were several new faces when Parliament reopened on September 3 after the winter recess: from a new chaplain of the House, a sergeant-at-arms to two new Members, one representing the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) and the other, the Lesotho People's Congress (LPC).

Mr. Sekobi Lesley Malapo was sworn in as the new MP for Mohobollo Constituency whilst the LPC's Mr. Khathatso Lunis Ramookho, the next in line on the People's Congress party list, replaces the late Mr. Tokela Seithleko. The new chaplain is Reverend Father Tank Jobo Mofana, taking over from the late Reverend John Monaheng Diaho, while Mr. Mathealira Lesiamo is the new sergeant-at-arms.

Welcoming the new and old Members back, Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai took the House through activities of the Sixth Meeting, debates on motions, the scrutinising of bills and Ministerial statements. Ten motions and five bills were debated and passed by the House, she said.

Ms. Motsamai said because the yardstick of their success was not the amount of work done, the House was still haunted by the anxiety of seeing its efforts translate into a concrete source of livelihood for the people.

Reminding Members that the country has just come out of celebrating August as the month of the African woman, she challenged them to reflect on what has been done to improve the lives and uplift the status of women.

"This country has made tremendous strides in the consolidation of democracy, but is lagging behind on matters of representation of women in decision making positions, thereby making it difficult to achieve a gender balance."

A flurry of reaction followed the Speaker's assertion that analysis of the national executive committees of the political in the House revealed a representation of about four women in committees that had on average 13 members.

"Honourable Members, political parties can also be effective defenders of the integrity of the democratic process... It is also perfectly realistic to expect our parties to strengthen the culture of democracy within their organisations - and to promote the participation of women," she said.

The Speaker announced the establishment of a 21 member Parliamentary Reform Committee, following the adoption of Motion no.52 by the House on 28 May 2004. It is to be chaired by Mr. Lekhetho Rakuoane of the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD).