Call to honour ‘our Constitution!’

STAFF REPORTER

MASERU- Advocate Mokitimi Tšosane has called for to Parliament to declare April 2 as Constitution Day in Lesotho as a recognition of the day for its adoption. Adv Tšosane this week wrote a letter, seen by this publication, to Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Law and Public Safety Cluster, Evaristus Ramakatsa, noting the importance of the need for the commemoration.

“I am writing to propose an addition to the Public Holidays Bill, 2025, specifically suggesting that Lesotho declare April 2 as the Constitution Day. This proposal is inspired by the need to commemorate the nation’s foundational document and the values it encapsulates. It is unfortunate that the Public Holidays Act, 1995, omitted such a significant day in the life of Lesotho as a nation despite being promulgated two years after the return to democratic constitutional governance. April 2 marks the day when the Constitution of Lesotho was adopted and came into effect.

“This day represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, signifying the return to constitutionalism and the commitment to democratic principles. The day also marks a long-drawn-out transition from the suspension of the Constitution in 1970 and the military takeover in 1986.

“Creating a public holiday to celebrate Constitution Day can promote national pride, foster national identity and collective unity, and educate the nation on the importance of the Constitution. This could provide an opportunity for schools, communities, and government institutions to engage in discussions, education sessions, and activities that promote constitutional literacy and civic responsibility,” he wrote.

Tšosane added, “In fact, it would be great if the entire month of April were dedicated as Constitution Month, with every institution, department, and ministry that benefits from the public purse encouraged to implement activities towards constitutional literacy.”

When contacted, Ramakatsa said he’s yet to receive the letter since Parliament is in recess.

“I will see once we open next week since we are attending a workshop,” he said, adding that he hasn’t seen the letter.

Parliament’s Standing Order #77 under Institutionalized Day observes other days without recognizing others, such as one being proposed by Tšosane.

Furthermore, Standing Order #79 allows him to make a presentation before the committee.

The Submission and Referral of Petitions notes: “(1) All petitions to the National Assembly shall be handed to the Clerk, who shall immediately refer them to the Speaker and cause their publication in the ATC under announcements bearing the following particulars: (a) The name of the petitioner; (b) The date received; (2) The Speaker shall, at the earliest convenience, refer the petition to the relevant committee or ministry for appropriate action; and (3) A committee or ministry to which a petition is referred shall report back to the House within twenty working days from the date of referral.

“The submission thereof shall be published in the ATC and may, if deemed appropriate, be debated in the House.”