The Upper House of Parliament passed the National Flag Bill, 2006 without any objection during their debate on Wednesday.

This means that the new flag will be hoisted on Tuesday midnight as Planned, replacing the current one which was flown under the Military regime in 1986.

Speaking during the debate, the Principal Chief of Matsieng Chief Masupha Seeiso appealed that the Bill be speeded up in order to give the Government adequate time to make necessary arrangements for the New Flag to start flying on Wednesday.

He however, expressed concern over the frequent changing of the national flags, saying something has to be done to stop that tendency.

On the other hand, the Principal Chief of Kueneng, Mapoteng and Bela Bela chieftainess 'Mantoetse Lesaoana Peete said she liked the colours in the new flag as they are familiar and can be related to Basotho.

She also stated that the Government had no intention of changing the flag to suit its interests, as the new flag has three colours of the opposition Basotho National Party (BNP) and only two of the ruling Lesotho Congress Democracy (LCD).

The Principal Chief said the Government should make sure that at midnight on Tuesday, the new flag is flown at all government offices throughout the country and other places, adding that at least two flags should be provided so that if there can be problems with another, the second could fly.

She also expressed concern over the constant changing of the national flag saying Parliament needs to revisit the constitution in a bid to stop the next regimes from changing the national flag.

Another member, Major General Phisoana Ramaema said every Mosotho understands why in 1986 under the Military rule, the national flag was changed adding that it was only a divine intervention and the military had no interests in party politics hence the Lesotho subsequently went back to democratic rule in 1993 without any ill feelings.

Other speakers included the Principal Chief of Tajane, Ponts'eng and Ramoetsane, Chief Tlali Mohale who said the Government observed all the democratic principles and procedures in changing the flag including consulting the public, getting two thirds majority in the National Assembly and involving the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary to change the flag.

He also expressed satisfaction with the colours in the new flag saying they promote peace, pray for rain and discourage Basotho from begging for food but to produce their own.

In conclusion, the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Law and Constitutional Affairs Mr. Refiloe Masemene thanked the Members of the Upper House for passing the bill.

He added that it will be easy to identify the new flag with Basotho because of the hat on it.

The flag is estimated to cost close to M84 000 to change it.

SOURCE: LENA