’Marafaele Mohloboli
ALLIANCE for Democrats (AD) Youth League President Thuso Litjobo has refuted claims that he has formed a new political party explaining that the rumours were conspiracies by people bent on destabilising the coalition government.
Mr Litjobo was speaking at a news conference held in Maseru yesterday in which he dismissed as blatant lies allegations that he had formed a new political party called “Happy Birthday” and scoffed at speculation of factionalism in the AD, which he referred to as mere propaganda.
He, however, pointed that while factionalism was not an issue in the AD, “too much democracy” within the party was a challenge.
“Some people are abusing this democracy by not following protocol when it comes to speaking on party issues,” said Mr Litjobo.
The rumours of a new political outfit followed Mr Litjobo’s birthday party, which was held in Berea last month. He explained that some people may have misconstrued the intentions which were purely to celebrate his life.
“Let me assure you that this 4×4 Government is very stable. The AD is proud to be a partner in this coalition Government and I will personally support it to ensure that it completes its five-year term, which ends in 2022,” said Mr Litjobo who was flanked by the youth league chairman Lekhotla Matšaba, Treasurer ‘Mamolope Nomo and the AD Spokesperson Maliehe Lemphane.
The AD is part of a governing coalition with Prime Minister Thabane’s All Basotho Convention (ABC), Basotho National Party (BNP) and Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).
The parties cobbled together their seats to form Lesotho’s third coalition government after the 3 June 2017 National Assembly elections resulted in a hung parliament.
They ousted a seven-party government led by Pakalitha Mosisili which failed to last the distance after assuming power in March 2017.
He highlighted the need for his detractors to understand that as a Member of Parliament appointed through the Proportional Representation system, it would not make sense for him to start thinking of forming his own political party.
“I have no plans to part ways with my leader, Ntate Monyane Moleleki till death do us part. What I can say about all these rumours is that some people are jealous of what I have achieved so far. They cannot accept my political success,” said Mr Litjobo.
