MASERU- Eight opposition leaders filed an urgent application in the High Court seeking an order instructingthe Speaker of Parliament, Tlohang Sekhamane to resume parliament immediately. The opposition say the undefined adjournment of parliament two weeks ago violated the Constitution and parliament’s Standing Orders.
They have asked the court to assessment and set aside the tabling of the 10th and 11th Amendments to the Constitution saying the adjustments defied the Constitution and Standing orders. Opposition blamedSekhamane of running amok and acting arbitrary in a manner not allowed by the law and in disobedience of both the rule of law and fundamental rights.
Leaders of opposition said he haphazardly adjourned parliament open-endedly despite serious pending nationalissues to the violation of Constitutional Democracy and in prolongation of the already existing serious doubt as to whether government still commands confidence of majority in the National Assembly.
In his founding affidavit, Mathibeli Mokhothu, leader of opposition said one of the endlessly important government issues immediately pending before the unplannedadjournment of the parliament was the vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister, Sam Matekane.
He also said Sekhamane needs to retreat to his wrong ruling that allowed the tabling of the 10th and 11thAmendments to the Constitution Bills regardless of the absence financial backups in violation of Standing Orders and the Constitution. Mokhothu said the 10th Amendment to the Constitution had massive financial implications to the state and therefore cannot be scheduled without financial backup as required by Standing orders and the Constitution.
In addition, he said, Standing order no 53 (4) (a) says in the case of a Bill involving the outflow of public money is an indication that the cost shall be captured to the Bill.
The annexure shall be delivered by the Finance Minister in the case of a Government Bill and by the MP presenting itin the case of another Bill.
In conclusion, Mokhothu said Sekhamane illogicallysettled parliament at 13:00 pm on Friday instead of having pre-announced the cut off period for debates and voting to the motion. He said he acted on his own gesture instead of being moved by the motion owner namely Honorable Nthomeng Majara.
