Statement by the Prime Minister of Lesotho on the Formation of the Opposition in Parliament

Statement Delivered 17 October, 2001 in Parliament
 

In Brief

Crossing the Floor is not new in Parliament:

The Prime Minister says, the events of 12 October, 2001, when some members of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) crossed the floor is not new in the history of the Parliament of Lesotho.

The Right Honourable Pakalitha Mosisili said, what is new this time is the increased number of those who have crossed the floor; adding that, the crossing of the floor by members of Parliament dates as far back as 1965 when two members of the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP) crossed and joined the Basotholand National Party (BNP); also, two members of the Basotholand Congress Party (BCP) split from the party and formed the Basotho Democratic Party.

 

The Prime Minister said, a similar incidence happened in 1997 when the then Prime Minister, Dr. Ntsu Mokhehle, formed the LCD in Parliament and continued to rule because a majority of the members of National Assembly followed him.  However, the unfortunate incidence in 1997 is that, the BCP refused to take its position as the opposition in the National Assembly.

 

The event of Friday, 12 October 2001 is not astonishing at all; in fact, in the past, the democratically elected parliaments have had cases of this nature, the Prime Minister remarked.  In the democratic dispensation therefore, people have the right to form or associate with anyone of the same opinion to theirs; adding that, ‘the wind also blows in its own direction’.

 

The Right Honourable Mosisili went on that, the formation of the Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC) will strengthen democracy; adding that, the LCD will now be very sensitive and intensify measures to improve delivery of services for improvement of the country and the people.

 

The members got reminded that, they are in Parliament because they have been elected into it by the people and whatever stand they take in there, they should do so taking into account the people in their constituencies; thus Lesotho needs men and women who are trustworthy and who live to the truth. 

 

The Prime Minister wished the new opposition party success in their new endeavours; saying, he expects them to contribute towards building peace and stability in the country. 

 

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai has announced that, the LPC has named its chief whip and deputy as Mr. Sekike Seinoli of Pela-Ts’oeu Constituency and Mr. Seshoko Khare of Matlakeng Constituency respectively.

 

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LCD Still in Majority

 

Meanwhile, votes cast on the day (12th) stood as follows: the LCD retained 36 seats against 27 seats and one seat for the opposition parties of the LPC and the BNP respectively; with nine absentees and five vacancies.

 

Later, Tuesday, October 23, the numbers stood:  LCD, 45; LPC, 27; BNP, 1; absentees, 2 and vacancies, 5. 

 

The latest report, by November 13 is:  LCD, 46; LPC, 27; BNP, 1; absentee, 1 and vacancies, 5.

 

 N.B.:

*absentees  -   a member being on sick-leave, while the rest had not then returned from the Independence recess.  Up to the latest report, the absentee is on sick leave.

* vacancies  -   the previous occupants are now  deceased.

 

The Speaker, Ms. Motsamai and the Deputy Speaker, Mr. ‘Nau Khadi have hence announced that:

(a) the LCD is still the ruling party, while the LPC is the main opposition party and the BNP remains the minor opposition party in Parliament, and 

(b)  in accordance with Section 2 of Members of Parliament Salaries Act No. 18 of 1998, if an opposition has 25 percent of members, consisting of not less that 20 seats in the present situation, the leader of such an opposition is entitled to a salary, benefits and other rights.
 

SOURCE:  THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION

 

c.f.  News Archives,  October 17, 2001  for the statement itself   -   Sesotho version only.