MEC goes through seamless vote

As another woman takes deputy leader’s post

‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI

MASERU – In a milestone event for the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) party leader, Selibe Mochoboroane, has been re-elected to serve another term as leader, following the delayed election of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Mochoboroane’s new leadership term is set to run until the year 2030. The long-awaited elective conference took place in Maseru last weekend, drawing delegates from all corners of the country.

The event marked only the second time the MEC has held such an election since its inception, and it saw the full participation of members from all 80 constituencies.

Originally scheduled for 2024, the NEC elections were postponed for over a year due to what the party described as financial constraints.

Although the party’s constitution stipulates that the NEC must be elected every five years, the lack of adequate funding reportedly led to significant delays. Nevertheless, the party maintained its cohesion and focus, culminating in a well-attended and vibrant elective conference.

Speaking at the conference as leader, Mochoboroane explained that the party’s electoral process is structured to begin from the top and work its way down to the grassroots.

“The first phase involves electing leaders starting from the party head down to lower structures,” he explained.

“The leader’s term spans two terms, which means I will serve as party leader until 2030 unless circumstances demand otherwise,” Mochoboroane indicated.

Mochoboroane, who is the party’s Member of Parliament and Minister of Health in the current government, emphasized the importance of unity within the party. Addressing a packed auditorium, he urged delegates to refrain from discordant political groupings that could divide the movement.

“Let us stop identifying ourselves in sub-groups that fragment our strength, too many parties in Lesotho have collapsed due to internal divisions. We must not repeat that history,” he emphasized.

Mochoboroane’s remarks were seen as a direct response to signs of internal friction within the party’s ranks.

Some members had reportedly begun forming splinter groups, prompting the leader’s call for renewed cohesion.

Drawing a parallel to Lesotho’s political history, he warned against the party following in the footsteps of the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP) and other once-powerful political forces that eventually disintegrated, and collapsed.

“The legacy of the BCP and others shows us that political fragmentation only weakens us, we must remain united and focused on our founding principles,” he stated.

The conference was officially opened in accordance with the party’s constitutional guidelines. The NEC election committee had already been selected prior to the event, allowing for a seamless voting process.

The conference hall was filled to capacity with energized supporters chanting slogans and showing support for their preferred candidates.

The election marks a turning point for the MEC, offering a renewed mandate to the leadership and laying the foundation for the party’s strategic goals. The re-election of Mochoboroane signals continuity, stability, and the reaffirmation of his vision for economic transformation in Lesotho.

Furthermore, ‘Makhojane Monyane secured a decisive victory defeating Tšepang Tšita-Mosena making her the new deputy leader of the party. In another closely watched contest, Napo Moshoeshoe won the position of a Secretary General while that of Treasurer General was won by Leboea Khoaele.

In addition, ‘Malebohang Pule won the race for the position of Deputy Secretary General, while in one of the most competitive races, Rorisang Mokoena claimed the role of a chairperson with his deputy being Motlatsi Ntšala.

Nkejane Lethoba was elected Public Relations Officer and Mpho Moloi his deputy. Palesa Ntakatsane secured the position of Registrar with Mokete Dlukula as deputy. Phatela Masupha, Rethabile Lenanya, Lerotholi Mokhabi and Retšelisitsoe Goduka were elected members of the NEC.

In an interview with Public Eye following the elections, ousted deputy leader, Mosena, noted that the MEC is a democratic party whose membership is entitled to vote for whoever they wish. She said she had hoped to retain he position at the helm of the party as her campaign had been very promising – but shockingly the voting candidates had other ideas.

Mosena wished the newly elected NEC all the best in their work and said she was exicted that the position of the deputy leader is still retained by a woman.

As the event wrapped up, the atmosphere remained charged with optimism. Delegates expressed confidence in the party’s future and the leadership’s ability to steer the MEC towards greater national influence.