ABC Leader Thom Thabane Addresses the supporters at Ha-Abia during the first rally after election
Lekhetho Ntsukunyane
The All Basotho Convention (ABC) leadership has begun countrywide meetings to chart the way forward in the wake of the 28 February 2015 election, which saw the party being booted out of government.
ABC secretary general, Samonyane Ntsekele, yesterday told the Lesotho Times that members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) “have met, and will continue to meet as we strategise how best we can go forward as a party, especially as our people were expecting so much and we ended up not being part of government”.
Mr Ntsekele added the NEC would also be explaining to party members why they were no longer in government, and urging them to accept the situation and plan for a return to the throne in the next general election.
“As we meet, we are also planning how best we are going to approach our people so that they accept the situation while we also try to sustain the party. We are holding many meetings to see how best we can handle the situation and move forward.”
According to Mr Ntsekele, the ABC had grown since its establishment in 2006.
“The most significant factor for any party to grow is through its good policies. Our leader, Dr Thomas Thabane, is unshakable in his fight against corruption and theft. He is firm and determined to eradicate poverty among our people.
“He said in his speech yesterday when he handed over power to Ntate Mosisili (Democratic Congress leader) that this country has its own economy and one of the most important resources we have is water. It should be emphasised that this waters should benefit the people of this country, not some individual political leader. The growth of the ABC is based on these principles which every Mosotho needs to be respected in the global community.
“We are going to stick to our principles which we have always adhered to, no-matter the cost. We will push these police in and outside parliament, and will be working even harder to make Basotho realise how the ABC is determined to change the face of this country. We are going to hold government to account and make sure the people get the services they deserve and also benefit from their country’s natural resources. We will be the main opposition and the ruling coalition will feel our presence in parliament.”
After securing 46 of the 120 parliamentary seats on offer in the 28 February 2015 elections, and the DC won 47, the ABC found itself out of government after failing to strike alliances with parties with enough seats to breach the 61 seats the party needed to remain in government.
The DC, on the other hand, struck an alliances with six other parties, with the alliance’s seats adding up to 65, which was four above the required minimum of 61.
