The recent focus on constitutional reforms in Lesotho has sparked debates and discussions across the nation. While some, like Naka La Mohlomi, commend the government’s efforts in tabling the Tenth and Eleventh Amendment Bills, others, like the Transformation Resource Center (TRC), advocate for a more drastic approach—a new constitution.
Naka La Mohlomi’s recent press conference highlighted the importance of the reform process and emphasized key pillars that should guide it, including national ownership, inclusivity, and transparency. The organization praised the government’s success in advancing the reform agenda, despite past failures in previous parliaments.
On the other hand, TRC has raised concerns about the government’s approach, accusing it of dismembering the original constitution through the proposed amendments. TRC argues that these changes go beyond mere amendments and fundamentally alter the constitution’s structure and values.
TRC’s call for a new constitution stems from a desire to safeguard the reform process from continuous litigation and political gamesmanship. The organization believes that the current amendments do not address the root causes of past challenges and may lead to further division and legal challenges in the future.
It is evident that Lesotho is at a crossroads. While some believe that incremental reforms are sufficient, others argue that a new constitution is necessary to address the deep-seated issues that plague the nation.
While constitutional reforms may offer immediate solutions, a new constitution could provide a fresh start and a chance to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
