Ntsebeng Motsoeli
OPPOSITION Democratic Congress (DC) leader Mathibeli Mokhothu has told his supporters to brace for snap elections as Prime Minister Thomas Thabane will not just give up power even if the no confidence vote against him succeeds in parliament
Mr Mokhothu said this while addressing a weekend rally in Kolo, Mafeteng.
The DC’s founding leader and former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and his wife, ‘Mathato Mosisili, joined thousands of DC supporters at the rally. DC legislators Palo Letete (Qhalasi constituency) and Putsoane Leeto (Kolo), treasurer Letšaba Hlalele, youth league president Moeketsi Shale, women’s league president ‘Mamotseki Sekete all graced the event.
Dr Mosisili joined Mr Mokhothu and other senior party members on stage to dance to the celebratory music performed by different music groups.
When he eventually took to the podium Mr Mokhothu, whose party teamed up with the Professor Nqosa Mahao-led faction of the ruling ABC to file a no confidence motion against Dr Thabane, had a simple message for his supporters; “prepare for elections”. This because Dr Thabane was unlikely to step down in the event of a successful no confidence vote against him in parliament.
“Elections loom and we want this government to go,” Mr Mokhothu said.
“It would be best if the government was changed without having to go for polls. We are determined to proceed with the no confidence motion against him but it seems that Ntate Thabane will not hear any of it. So, go ahead and prepare for the elections.”
Parliament was last month closed indefinitely at a time when the Mahao faction had teamed up with the opposition to file a no confidence motion against the premier. Although no reason was given for the indefinite closure, it was widely believed that this was done to save Dr Thabane from being toppled and give him the opportunity to resolve the power struggle in his fractious party.
The motion was filed by the ABC’s Koro-Koro constituency legislator, Motebang Koma. It was immediately seconded by DC deputy leader Motlalentoa Letsosa.
Mr Koma proposed that the ABC’s Mosalemane constituency legislator, Samuel Rapapa, takes over as caretaker prime minister, presumably pending processes that would lead to Prof Mahao assuming the reins of power.
While Dr Thabane has remained tight lipped regarding his plan if the motion succeeds, speculation is rife that he will approach his Majesty King Letsie III to dissolve parliament and call for elections.
Mr Mokhothu also used the weekend rally to reiterate his opposition to the government of national unity (GNU) proposed by fellow opposition leader, Mothetjoa Metsing of the Lesotho Congress of Democracy (LCD).
He said a GNU would only serve to prolong Dr Thabane’s stay in power, adding; “We cannot retain the same people who have destroyed our judiciary, parliament, security institutions and our economy”.
“Let us go for elections so that the people can elect new leaders. The DC is ready and when we are returned to power, we will correct all their wrongs.”
The youthful 42 year-old opposition leader said he would shame his detractors who described him as a novice, when he succeeded the veteran Dr Mosisili, by leading his party to electoral victory.
“They claim that you have chosen a child to be your leader. I am not a child, I am not suckling. Let us go to the polls and you will see that I am not a child,” he said.
He said after winning the elections, his party’s first task would be to repeal the controversial 2018 wool and mohair regulations that have been fiercely resisted by farmers. (See story on page 7).
“The first thing that we will do when we get into parliament is to remove that unfortunate law. We will allow farmers to sell their produce to whoever they want. The government should also ensure increased crop production so that we are not forced to import crops as if they cannot grow on our land. We will also intensify the fight against stock theft,” Mr Mokhothu vowed.
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