The Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says that new parliament and other stakeholders had decided to proceed where the 10th parliament left off with the Omnibus bill, when the court ruled out the “resuscitation” of the Bill. This she said at the dialogue session on future of national reforms organized by Development for Peace Education (DPE) at Mafotholeng on 19th December 2023. The agreed position included segregating the Omnibus Bill into three; the Bill taking simple, two thirds and referendum sections. She said that the with the court decision, the idea of resuscitation shall be dropped instead the Bill shall be tabled afresh. She added that the National Reforms execution is imperative for easing political conflicts among Basotho.
In his opening remarks DPE National Animator Reverend Father Valentine Tšepo Mosoeu indicated that the main purpose of this dialogue is to create a discussion between the relevant stakeholders and citizens on the future of Reforms. ‘This platform will also enable citizens to voice out their opinions on how they want National Reforms to be handled ’, he added. He also pointed that after the dissolution of the 10th parliament, DPE used its intervention strategy and mediation together with other organizations to ensure that National Reforms proceed. “Still we are not going to rest until National Reforms are implemented”, he emphasized.
On behalf of the civil society organizations core styled the Lobby, Kholu Tšumane and Senator Seabata Motsamai pleaded to the legislators to respect the interest of the community as the Omnibus is based on them. He said that DPE has created this platform to allow citizens to talk directly to the government and opposition sides about passage of reforms.
Speaking at this occasion, Chair of the Chairs in the parliament Mr. Mokhothu Makhalanyane MP stated that it their wish as the parliament to proceed with National Reforms.
On behalf of citizens, Katiso Mohapi and the other citizen pleaded that the floor crossing of the MPS in the should also be included on the National Reforms as it will restrict easy floor crossing. Adding that the delay of implementation of Reforms made them loose hope but, ‘We are now relieved to hear that the parliament shall proceed with the Reforms’, they said.
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