‘Mantšali Phakoana
Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe has vowed to proceed with his motion of no confidence against prime minister Sam Matekane’s government despite it securing enough parliamentary seats after roping in more parties to his alliance.
The Matekane-led coalition government now has seven parties comprising his Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), Movement for Economic Change (MEC) Alliance of Democrats (AD), Basotho Action Party (BAP), Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), HOPE and Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC).
The parties announced at a press conference on Tuesday this week that they have a combined 67 seats in parliament, enough to thwart a no confidence vote.
The enlarged coalition means Matekane will have to increase the size of his government to accommodate his newly-found friends who have added their seats to prop him up.
Asked for comment soon after the announcement of the new government alliance, Mofomobe – said he was not going to withdraw the motion he filed in parliament recently.
He was seconded by Member of Parliament (MP) for Makhaleng, Mootsi Lehata. The duo wants leader of opposition, Mathibeli Mokhothu be appointed prime minister.
“I’ll wait until the motion is debated,” Mofomobe told theReporter in a telephone interview on Wednesday this week.
He said it would be proved in parliament whether Matekane has enough numbers to remain as premier, “not at a hotel”. This was in apparent reference to Matekane’s Mpilo Boutique Hotel where the media briefing to announce the new coalition was held.
Mofomobe also said the RFP should withdraw the court application filed by its MP for Thaba-Moea constituency, Lejone Puseletso, seeking to shelve the no-confidence motion pending completion of 2016 SADC-recommended political and security reforms.
The constitutional court this week postponed the matter to November 10 2023.
“They should do that if they feel they have enough numbers to survive the motion.
“As for me, I am not going to withdraw it. Numbers are proved in parliament during the voting process, and I will wait for such a moment,” Mofomobe insisted.
He, however, noted that much as he and other motion supporters were not pleased with BAP’s decision to join the government, they are bound to respect the move as it strengthens democracy.
“As much as I am not pleased, I am also not disappointed because leadership wants selfless people.
“What BAP did strengthens our democracy. We are living in a country where everyone has the right to decide what they want,” he added.
BAP leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao told the press conference that his party had resolved to join government to save Matekane against the no confidence vote.
BAP legislators were among the 61 opposition lawmakers supporting the vote of no confidence motion against Matekane until its sudden change of heart.
Mahao indicated that soon after the October 7, 2022 general elections, BAP had approached RFP for a possible alliance but failed. However, the two parties have now found each other.
“A new environment has materialised in the country’s political landscape due to the no confidence vote in parliament. This has necessitated that RFP and BAP join hands,” he said.
He further pointed out that BAP had decided to throw its weight behind government to comfort Matekane and enable his party to “ride the tiger”.
“That tiger is the no confidence motion in parliament. We wanted to see who wins,” he explained, adding that the BAP decided to join the alliance after being approached by the RFP to shore up its numbers in parliament and stabilise government.
He dared the motion movers to proceed with it and face the humiliation of losing.
“I would dare say with that number (67), Ntate prime minister, you should not fear any vote of no confidence. We can go for it right away,” Mahao warned.
Speaking at the same press conference, Matekane noted that political instability in the country had triggered the alliance between the seven parties and restructuring of government.
He stated that the coalition was pushed by the passion and interest of political leaders who desire peace, unity and implementation of national reforms.
Matekane said the coalition agreement was currently under review by lawyers.
The agreement would indicate whether the cabinet will be increasing from 15 or not, and also state BAP’s position in government.
He outlined that the top priority for the government was to implement the national reforms soon after the appeal court has ruled out on the case relating to the said reforms.
The premier indicated that they had committed themselves as leaders that before the next fiscal year, half of the reforms would have been implemented.
“We are leaving aside our selfishness for the improvement of the country’s economy. With this coalition government, service delivery will be outstanding and the judiciary will do its role without fear or favour.
“It would be very unfortunate if the national reforms fail under our watch, we refuse that. It is entirely up to us leaders and Basotho representatives to take this country to the next level,” Matekane said.
He pointed out that Lesotho for decades now has turned into Africa’s laughing stock and it was now time to change that.
“We have been on the SADC agenda for long. Our development partners are also bothered by the instability in the country. Enough is enough!” the Premier added.
The chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Hakainde Hichilema, is currently in Lesotho to access the country’s progress on the reforms.
Hichilema is accompanied by the SADC Panel of Elders on this mission, in line with the agreed decision by the Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government which was convened on August 16 2023, in Luanda, Angola.
Hichilema is expected to hold consultations with various stakeholders on issues and developments in the country.
