Lesotho’s political system has been described as broken and in need of reform by Tŝeliso Moroke, a Member of Parliament for the Matala Constituency under the Revolution for Prosperity party. According to Dr. Moroke, the current system empowers powerful individuals rather than ordinary citizens, leading to a lack of progress and development in the country.

The National Assembly recently debated the establishment of a Committee on Government Assurances, which aims to track the implementation of promises made by ministers. Dr. Moroke believes that this is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues with the political system.

In an interview with Lesotho Times, Dr. Moroke emphasized the importance of continuity in socio-economic governance and development. He argued that each time a new regime comes into power, it declares a fresh start, but this approach erases progress, wastes resources, and denies citizens the benefits of continuity. Dr. Moroke stressed that true development requires a national vision that transcends ruling parties.

Dr. Moroke also highlighted the need for principled and visionary leadership that prioritizes delivering results over survival politics. He criticized the practice of party-line voting, which he believes undermines accountability and discourages independent judgment. Instead, he advocated for a culture of deliberation and conscience-driven decision-making in Parliament.

Regarding the current regime, which took office in 2022, Dr. Moroke acknowledged some commendable gains, such as improved urban roads and fiscal stability. However, he noted that growth remains tied to narrow and unsustainable pillars, and unemployment and poverty remain high. Dr. Moroke emphasized that the government needs to move beyond rhetoric and financial balancing to build a future that delivers real and lasting improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

The issue of broken political systems is a pressing concern in Lesotho, with many citizens calling for reform. The establishment of a Committee on Government Assurances is a step towards increasing accountability and transparency, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues. As Dr. Moroke emphasized, the country needs a national development vision that endures, one that prioritizes the interests of citizens over party politics.