Today is independence day, Basotho are supposed to be marking the day by celebrating the achievements and forging the way forward. It appears we are still struggling to agree. Why?
Before independence, the Basutoland Congress Party wanted little powers to the King, the Basutoland National Party wanted moderate powers to the King and the Marematlou Freedom Party wanted more powers to the King. After 1965 elections, the BCP wanted more powers to the King and its position resonated well with the MFP but the BNP changed gear and wanted restricted powers to the King. Why is it difficult for Basotho to reach consensus?
In 1970, the elections results were not honoured. Surprisingly party leadership then agreed without voters to annul the results. In 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2007 the results of elections were challenged though at differing magnitude. The Rt Hon The Prime Minister Hon Thomas Thabane former allay of The Rt Hon The Prime Minister then Hon Pakalitha Mosisili questioned the results in 2007 when he lost. The latter once defined refusal of elections in Lesotho as a disease and he graciously handed over power in 2012. Surprisingly, when he lost power in 2017 he signed a letter to the SADC querying the results. Why is it difficult for Basotho to reach consensus?
Today Basotho are not agreeing on the constituency delimitation and by elections. The Parliamentary Committee of the National reforms Committee has resolved to revive the 50-50 agreement on the Mixed Member Proportional model in order to find formulae of addressing the people’s views on the model without necessarily hurting the model, which Basotho said should be retained. This move is vehemently rejected. Why is it difficult for Basotho to reach consensus?
Can dialogue not help? But what is it? At DPE Dialogue is defined as genuine persuasive exchange and engagement for common understanding. Its features are;Difference,Equality,Maturity,Openness to new ideas and Generation of win-win solution. Listening carefully to the opposing view with the aim not to shoot but find how to embrace may help. Why is it difficult for Basotho to reach consensus?
