On Saturday, Lesotho lawmakers and South African mediators said they are waiting for consent from the King to remove the prime minister, Thabane, from office. The removal of the PM, suspected for the murder of his wife, will see an end to the crisis that has taken over the kingdom for months.
Thabane, 80, has been under increasing pressure to resign due to the murder of his ex-wife. He and his current wife are the main suspects in the assassination, although they both denied the accusation. Besides, this case is causing a division in his party.
Jeff Radebe, a South African envoy spoke to journalists on the matter. He said that the prime minister would indicate intents to leave office. This will happen as soon as the King consents to the bill.
Also, he added that the prime minister would vacate his office the moment the King assents to the bill. However, he didn’t mention if his Majesty has agreed to do so.
Last week, Thabane said he would not be rushed out of office, despite increasing pressure from his party–All Basotho Convention Party, opposition, coalition partners, and South Africa.
More
- Coronavirus: South Africa Reopening Economy Maybe Painful
- Lesotho’s First Lady, Maesaiah Thabane faces a charge of murdering rival
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, there have been several coups in the country, and frequent political turmoil.
Previously, Thabane said he was going to leave the office at the end of July. However, his opponents say that’s too far.
Senate Passes Bill that Prohibits Thabane from Dissolving the Parliament
On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill. It prohibits the prime minister from dissolving parliament and calling a fresh election in case they pass a vote of no confidence against him. Therefore, if they pass such a vote, he will have no other option than to leave.
Lebohang Hlaele, ABC secretary, said, now that they have passed the bill, the next thing is for His Majesty to assent to it. After this, preparations will begin for the PM to leave in a dignified and decent manner.
Meanwhile, Motlalentoa Letsosa, the deputy leader of the opposition Democratic Congress, said he was preparing to pass a vote of no confidence to the parliament. It could go to the parliament as early as next week if the King signs the amendment.
Lefu Thaela, an independent political analyst, said the probability that Thabane will lose the vote is high. Therefore, he will have to choose between stepping down or going through the dictatorship route.
