IN a desperate move to stay in power and evade ouster by the opposition, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane has signed an alliance with four more political parties.
politics
Nov. 3, 2023
LEBOELA MOTOPI
2 min read
Matekane expands government
Prime Minister Sam Matekane
Story highlights
The new coalition comprises seven political parties
The PM says he was driven by the need to maintain peace and stability
The new coalition government, composed of seven parties, was unveiled on Tuesday this week in Maseru.
The initial coalition government formed after the October last year general elections included the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) of Matekane, the Alliance of Democrats (AD) of Ntoi Rapapa, and the Movement of Economic Change (MEC) of Selibe Mochoboroane.
The four other parties that have joined the coalition include the Basotho Action Party (BAP) of Professor Nqosa Mahao, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) of Mothetjoa Metsing, Hope of ’Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, and the Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC)-Baena Alliance of Reverend Paul Masiu.
The seven-party coalition now holds 67 seats in Parliament against the opposition’s 53. .
Matekane’s move to expand his government was prompted by an opposition onslaught led by the Democratic Congress (DC) leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, who assembled 61 MPs on October 16 to unseat him (Matekane).
Enjoy our daily newsletter from today
Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.
The opposition wanted to replace Matekane with Mokhothu, contending that they did not have confidence in him as the Prime Minister.
The vote of no confidence against Matekane had been filed by the leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe.
Unveiling the new coalition government this week, Matekane said the alliance was driven by the need to maintain peace and stability in the country as well as finalise the national reforms.
Tailored for you
