MASERU — Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa is tomorrow expected to deliver a keynote address during a prayer session to encourage political tolerance.
The prayer meeting that will be held at ’Manthabiseng Convention Centre has been organised by the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho.
The prayer session is being held as the country prepares for a parliamentary election on May 26.
The UNDP says the objective of the meeting is to gather political party leaders and government representatives for reflection and prayer to instil values of peace.
It is also aimed at encouraging the leaders to commit themselves to high standards of conduct and accept the outcome of the election.
“His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is expected to be the guest of honour and will deliver a keynote address to highlight the importance of political tolerance as the key principle of democracy,” a press statement by the UNDP said.
CCL information officer, Potjo Potjo, said the purpose of the prayer meeting is to keep lines of communication between the Independent Electoral Commission and politicians healthy.
“We have noted that there is political intolerance after our elections and CCL is often called to intervene. We therefore thought it was better to iron out issues that may lead to actions of intolerance at an early stage.
“We hope that Bishop Tutu’s address will bring some change in our people,” Potjo said.
Members of the judiciary, diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, academics and the media are also expected to attend the meeting.
On Sunday, the Christian Advocacy Forum, a grouping of Christian churches in Lesotho, will hold a prayer procession for peace and stability in the coming general election.
The procession will start at King Moshoeshoe I statue and end at the grounds of St Joseph High School grounds.
Church and political leaders are expected to attend.
