Parliamentary Reform Programme a Bridge Between Government and the People

Parliamentary Reform Programme a Bridge Between Government and the People

A parliamentary reforms programme, to be led by a committee comprising 30 Members of Parliament drawn from the ten political parties represented in the National Assembly as well as by members of the Senate, was launched by the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, in Maseru on November 15.

Delivering on its mandate will be a tall order for the Parliamentary Reforms Committee, the Prime Minister cautioned, if one examined its terms of reference. However, the programme will also offer an opportunity to reflect on the development challenges that confront the nation and how Parliament can play a meaningful role in addressing them.

A synopsis of the major challenges the Committee will be confronted with include promoting the ideals enshrined in the Lesotho Constitution, rendering the Mixed-member Proportional Representation in the national Assembly truly representative of the wishes and aspirations of Basotho and creating a Responsive, Effective, Accountable and Legitimate (REAL) Parliament.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai, had earlier announced that the terms of reference of the Committee included reviewing current practices and procedures in relation to public business, sitting hours vis-à-vis committee work and the plenary; reviewing and aligning the Standing Rules and Orders to reflect the recommended reforms; core-streaming gender into the democratic process.

It was also mandated to carry out a thorough assessment of the merits and demerits of of bicameralism in a democratic dispensation, review the current committee system including the establishment and rationalisation of of Portfolio Committees vis-à-vis goals of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and responsiveness; review existing planning procedures and mechanisms with a view to producing a Strategic Plan for Parliament.

The Parliamentary Reforms Committee is made up of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Mr. Lesao Lehohla; the Vice President of the Senate, Honourable Letapata Makhaola; the Deputy Speaker o the national Assembly, Honourable Sephiri Motanyane; the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Timothy Thahane.

The other members are the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Mr. Refiloe Masemene; the Assistant Minister in the ministry f trade and Industry, Mr. Hlonepho Metsing; the Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Justice, Ms. Mpeo Mahase.

Also in the Committee are honourable MPs M.Billy; M.F.Bulane; D.S.Damane; E.M.Lehata; R.F. 'Makong; V.M.Malebo; A.K.Maope; S.P.Maphalla; R.P.Matete; K. Matla; S.E.Monyane; A.M. Motaung; D.M.Motikoe; P.N.Peete; K.D.Raditapole; L.Rakuoane; R.Shea; B.M.Seutloali; S.Toloane and Senators M.Peete; M.T.Seeiso, S.B.Seeiso and; K.L.K.Theko.

15 November 2004