At the Thahameso phone-in radio programme at People’s Choice FM, DPE got a resounding citizens’ approval (DPE on PC) on its 100 days of new government in office initiative. Callers applauded DPE to engaging citizens and government in dialogue in that way. Many picked up areas of interest on the list of issues generated form public reaction on the Plan of Action by government presented by the Prime Minister earlier. DPE has reconstructed the public reaction into a thought-provoking paper than would be sent back to the people to express their preference on how the plan may be achieved. DPE will then compile the feedback and present to government to mark 100 days of new government in office.
This is the initiative where DPE captures enthusiasm that comes with new administration and channels citizens’ energy to inform policy direction. This year given COVID-19 and the reality that the current government in Lesotho which did not come through elections but changes in parliament, has only two years before elections the 100 days of new government in office will take a different form.
DPE has a very impressive record of citizens’ participation. Its constructive engagement as opposed to the conventional civil society antagonistic and confrontational approach has borne fruits confirming citizens’ power in the recent history. (Snapshot)