Parliament’s Lower House has successfully passed the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing national reforms.
The initiative to address the country’s political, constitutional, judicial, and media reforms, among others, began in 2012.
The Bill which was passed through votesyesterday is expected to bring about far-reaching changes to the nation’s legal system and governance structure.
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Constitution of Lesotho, 1993 and give effect to the resolutions of the Multi Stakeholders National Dialogue on comprehensive nation reforms as espoused in the Plenary II Report.
The Bill is a result of consultations and debates among members of the National Reforms Authority (NRA) and a wide sector of national reforms’ stakeholders.
Among the most notable changes introduced by the 10th amendment is the move to ensure greater independence of key state input institutions within the government.
The Auditor General’s Office, Human Rights Commission, Public Service Commission, among others, will now be accountable to the parliament.
The Bill awaits Senate approval before it can come into effect.