- A new chapter in the political history of Lesotho has been made when around seventeen members of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) crossed the floor to join the new political party All Basotho Convention (ABC) in the National Assembly on Friday.

This was after the Speaker of the National Assembly; Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai announced that the new political party has been formed by some of the Members of Parliament (MPs).

The new party was formed by the former Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr. Motsoahae Thabane after resigning as cabinet minister on Monday this week.

Other members of ABC are Messrs 'Nyane Mphafi No.74, Molibeli Soulo No 34,  Motlohi Maliehe No.05 , Lehlohonolo Mafaesa No.31, Mrs. 'Maphehello Ts'uluba No. 33, Matooane Mokhosi No.21, Molebatsi Khaile No.42, Sello Maphalla No.13 and Seeiso Sehloho No.29.

They also include Messrs Lijane Selikane No.19, Seabata Monare No.57, Pita  Mokholane No.15, Rets'elisitsoe Ranooe No.48, 'Mabuo Kojoana No.26, Sello Machakela No.22, Rantelali Shea No.46, Mr. Lehlohonolo Ts'ehlana No.79 who was dismissed from the party due to differences as well as member of Senate Mrs. Mookho Mathibeli.

This happened in a fully parked National Assembly, where Basotho from all walks of life gathered eagerly to see who would cross the floor to join the new party.

Meanwhile followers of both parties remained outside parliament buildings singing political songs.

In an interview with some of them, they said the MPs who crossed the floor were not loyal to the LCD and their supporters in the constituencies.

They believed that they were driven by thirst for power and that only time will be the judge especially as elections are this close.

On the other hand, Mr. Sebaka Nts'ekhe from Berea constituency saw this as a turning point in the political history of the country.

"Basotho now understand fully what democracy is by exercising their fundamental right of joining organization of their choice," he remarked.

Mr. Nts'ekhe confessed that he was going to join the new party from BCP as he believed that Mr. Thabane would take Lesotho to greater heights based on his performance when he was a cabinet minister.

Mr. Thabane resigned from the ruling LCD last Monday and announced the formation of a new political party at Victoria Hotel on the same day, citing poor service delivery and difference in tackling public issues as the reason.

SOURCE: LENA