…pours cold water on Lehata’s best loser model
Mohloai Mpesi
FORMER Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, has criticised efforts to amend the National Assembly Electoral Act of 2011 to abolish the Proportional Representation (PR) system and replace it with the “best loser” model.
Mr Mosisili made the remarks this week during the launch of former National Assembly Speaker, Sephiri Motanyane’s book at Lancers Inn.
Mr Motanyane’s book, Lesotho Politics and Society, chronicles the country’s political history, with the aim of “documenting the past, informing the present and inspiring the future”.
The proposed amendment Bill was introduced by the Revolution for Prosperity Member of Parliament (MP) for Makhaleng constituency, Mootsi Lehata, with support from All Basotho Convention MP, Lebohang Hlaele.
The National Assembly Electoral (Amendment) Bill seeks to abolish party lists and require the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to allocate PR seats based on the performance of unsuccessful constituency candidates.
The Bill was first tabled in the National Assembly on 2 December 2025 by Messrs Lehata and Hlaele under Standing Order No. 52(1), titled the National Assembly Electoral Amendment Bill, 2025.
The proposal has been sharply criticised by opposition parties, who argue that it favours wealthy and politically connected candidates who can afford expensive constituency campaigns while marginalising smaller political players.
Part of Standing Order 52(1) states: “A member who is not a minister and who wishes to present a Bill shall give notice of a motion for leave to be given to bring in the Bill. Such motion shall include the terms of the long title of the Bill which is proposed to be brought in…”
The Bill seeks to amend Sections 47 to 51 of the principal law by removing provisions requiring political parties to submit party lists before general elections for PR purposes. Instead, it mandates the IEC to calculate and award PR seats based on the performance of candidates in their constituencies.
Mr Mosisili said the amendment Bill lacked a good spirit because it would benefit only a privileged few who have the opportunity to contest constituency elections.
“I hear that there is an amendment Bill in Parliament proposing that we move from the PR Zebra system to the best loser model. Under that model, people who are included in the PR list will only be those who contested constituency elections.
“It is not everyone who has the opportunity to stand for elections. The PR system gave people an opportunity because, even if they did not win primary elections, they still had a chance of entering Parliament if their party included them on its list,” he said.
He added that the Bill would further discourage women’s participation in politics, which is already lagging.
“There are not many women who are brave enough to go to Parliament. There are not many women willing to contest constituencies because they are humiliated and insulted.
“That way, the Bill is dragging us backwards and destroying a beautiful thing that we have done by creating a pathway for women to enter Parliament.
“I appeal to you, Members of Parliament: stop this thing. It is taking us backwards,” he said.
Mr Mosisili also criticised legislators for what he described as inappropriate dress and language in Parliament.
“There is no greater honour that one can receive from their country and the public than being chosen to represent them in Parliament, fight for their needs and make laws on their behalf. I appeal that you should speak to them.
“The way they dress and speak in Parliament is disappointing. How do they wear jeans and go to Parliament? Their wives should correct them before they leave the house,” he said.
