Thabane’s grip on power broken

THE king of Lesotho, Letsie III, has assented to legislation that prevents Prime Minister Thomas Thabane from dissolving parliament and calling an election in the event of a vote of no confidence against him, the attorney-general said yesterday.

Thabane, 80, has been under pressure to resign over a murder case in which he and his wife are suspected of killing his previous wife. They both deny the charges.

“The ninth amendment (to the constitution) is now a law given that His Majesty has assented to it. It’s already effective, just awaiting printing,” said Attorney-General Haae Phoofolo.

The law means that in the event of a vote of no confidence against Thabane passing, he would have no choice but to leave office.

Thabane has previously said he will leave at the end of July, but his opponents say that is not soon enough.

In a statement yesterday, Thabane reiterated that he had voluntarily decided to vacate office due to his age, as he was no longer “energetic”.

“I have always been consistent that it is my wish to retire from office by July 31, or the earlier date of June 12, if all necessary conditions of my retirement are put in place,” he said.

Thabane said the amendment was a significant step leading up to his retirement.

“Government and the political party I lead will co-ordinate the process of my retirement in a mature manner and with a view to ensuring the continued stability of Lesotho,” he said. | Reuters