MASERU – King’s Counsel Motiea Teele says Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane had the nation’s best interests at heart when he decided to prorogue parliament.

KC Teele who is representing Thabane in a constitutional matter in which he (the PM) is being challenged for proroguing parliament told the Constitutional Court on Monday that Thabane made the move in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The government has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the nation in relation to health issues. It is therefore up to the government to choose methods best suitable for the situation,” Teele said.
He contended that one of the containment strategies of COVID-19 is that there shall be no gatherings of more than 50 people therefore it would not be right for members of parliament who are 120 to meet under the current situation.
He argued that the three-month prorogation is reasonable because there is no certainty as to when the pandemic will end.

The applicants in the matter want the PM’s decision to prorogue parliament to be reviewed, corrected and set aside.