PAC reaffirms mandate to defend accountability, good governance

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE and

‘MANT’SANG KHUTLISI

MASERU – In a strongly worded declaration, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly of Lesotho has reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to uphold good governance, transparency, and accountability in public financial management.

The Committee’s message comes amid mounting tensions with the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), which has taken legal steps to halt parliamentary oversight proceedings.

PAC has stood firm in the face of what it sees as a direct attempt to undermine the authority of Parliament and the supremacy of the Constitution.

As one of the National Assembly’s most vital oversight mechanisms, it plays an indispensable role in reviewing reports from the Auditor-General, investigating irregularities in the use of public funds, and ensuring that ministries, departments, and state-owned entities adhere to the highest standards of financial discipline.

“This Committee is not just a parliamentary body, it is a constitutional safeguard, its mandate is enshrined in law, and its duty is to the people of Lesotho, not to any political or commercial interest,” PAC chairperson, ‘Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, said.

The PAC’s powers are rooted in multiple legal instruments. Chief among them is Section 117(4) of the Constitution of Lesotho, which stipulates that audit reports must be submitted to Parliament for scrutiny.

“The Auditor-General shall submit every report made by her to the Minister for the time being responsible for finance who shall lay it before that House,” Letsie further explained.

In support of this, Standing Order No 97(5) formalizes the PAC as a Sessional Select Committee, granting it wide-ranging responsibilities, including examining the accounts of ministries, departments, and publicly funded entities. It also allows the PAC to initiate investigations into any matter that falls within its purview.

PAC’s investigative muscle is further strengthened by Standing Order No 95(2) and Section 9 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, which authorize the committee to summon individuals, demand documents, and conduct oral hearings. As this is not a power grab; these are responsibilities that come with real authority legal authority that Lesotho’s democratic system depends upon.

Tensions reached new heights when the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) filed a court application aimed at preventing the PAC from summoning its officials and examining its financial conduct.

The PAC responded with concern, calling the legal action a direct affront to the Constitution and a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.

“This action undermines the rule of law, disrupts parliamentary processes, and challenges the constitutional principle of separation of powers,” Letsie explained.

The Committee argues that the judiciary must not be weaponized as a shield for institutions seeking to evade accountability.

The principle of separation of powers, it stresses, should serve as a safeguard not a loophole.

The three arms of government must operate within their distinct roles not as instruments to bypass accountability, but as complementary forces that uphold democratic governance and the public interest.

Despite the LEC’s legal manoeuvre, PAC has made it clear that it will not be intimidated. The Committee has reiterated its resolve to summon LEC officials, demand the necessary documentation, and pursue any irregularities in the management of public funds.

“The PAC is bound by law to act without fear or favour in protecting the public’s interest, no institution or individual will be permitted to operate beyond the reach of the law or evade parliamentary oversight,” the PAC chair has stated.

The message is clear; the Committee will not allow any institution to place itself above the constitutional order. The Committee has also issued a clarion call to Basotho citizens to support its constitutional mission.

It warns that public silence in the face of institutional evasion of oversight risks normalizing corruption and mismanagement.

Letsie further stated that PAC remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the public purse and ensure that every cent of public money is accounted for as they urge all stakeholders to support their efforts to strengthen the foundations of democracy, rule of law, and transparent governance in Lesotho.

As Lesotho navigates persistent economic challenges, high unemployment, and demands for public service reform, the role of oversight institutions such as PAC has never been more vital. In defending its mandate, PAC is not just protecting legal procedures it is defending the public’s right to know how their money is spent.

This latest confrontation with the LEC may well prove to be a turning point in Lesotho’s democratic journey. Whether institutions are held accountable or allowed to retreat into secrecy will speak volumes about the nation’s commitment to clean governance.

If democracy is indeed a system of checks and balances, then Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee has just delivered a powerful reminder, accountability is not optional.