The Minister of Justice, Mrs. Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa will read the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution Bill 2008 for the second time in the Senate on Tuesday.

Addressing members of the Senate about the Bill, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Lesao Lehohla said the Bill is aimed at providing a room for appeals on election petitions to be lodged in the Court of Appeal from the High Court.

Mr. Lehohla said the amendment is also intended to contribute to a stable government and democracy.

He cited Nigeria and United States of America as good examples because the two countries have opted for Appeal Courts and Supreme Courts decisions on issues pertaining to elections, hence why they have peaceful and stable governments.

“The amendment of the constitution will also explain how long cases regarding elections should take in the courts of law so as to avoid cases which are always pending in courts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister appealed to Senators to approve the Bill, adding that the Senate is the review chamber which is mandated to assess the Bills and approve them, especially when the National Assembly has agreed to them.

On the other hand, the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Chief Khoabane Theko said that as Senators, they support the government regarding the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution Bill 2008. He said change will provide an opportunity for politicians to lodge their complaints effectively.

He however, urged Senators and the government to wait until cases between the ruling party Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) and some members of the opposition parties have been dealt with in the Courts of Law for the development of peace and stability in Lesotho.

Source: LENA 13/03/2008