PRIME MINISTER MOSISILI SWORN-IN, OPPOSITION HOLDS RALLY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000093 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM LT SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER MOSISILI SWORN-IN, OPPOSITION HOLDS RALLY REF: MASERU 87 AND PREVIOUS MASERU 00000093 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. SUMMARY: The leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD),Pakalitha Mosisili, was inaugurated for his third term as Prime Minister on February 23, 2007. The inauguration was preceded by a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected members of the National Assembly, which was not attended by parliamentarians-elect from major opposition parties. Mosisili thanked the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other sectors of society for making the election a success. Meanwhile, the leading opposition party, the All Basotho Convention (ABC),held a large rally in Maseru on February 25, which was attended by an estimated 10,000 supporters and the leaders of major opposition parties (the National Independent Party (NIP),the Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Lesotho Workers Party (LWP)). The ABC leader criticized the IEC for not responding to the oppositions' election grievances and for its passivity regarding alleged LCD violations of electoral law and the electoral "Code of Conduct". He also stated that the opposition did not attend the swearing-in ceremony as opposition MPs-elect were not officially informed of the event, and that "peaceful mass actions" would be forthcoming. END SUMMARY. -------------- Mosisili Sworn In For Third Term -------------- ¶2. On February 23, Prime Minister Mosisili was sworn into office for the third time as Lesotho's Prime Minister at the Royal Palace following Lesotho's February 17 National Assembly election. The ceremony was attended by High Court justices, members of the diplomatic corps, newly elected members of the National Assembly, senior civil servants, and LCD party supporters. In his speech, Mosisili stressed that "peace and stability are fundamental ingredients for sustainable economic development and prosperity." He expressed gratitude to religious leaders for instilling politicians with a spirit of tolerance and the IEC for creating free elections. Mosisili also acknowledged the professionalism of Lesotho's security establishment during the election period. He concluded by thanking both local and international NGOs for their contributions through training programs and their support to local organizations. �0A;¶3. In a ceremony prior to the Prime Minister's inauguration, parliamentarians-elect were sworn-in to their new posts. The ceremony was followed by a brief announcement on Radio Lesotho that Lesotho's 7th Parliament had assumed their positions. ABC and BNP parliamentarians were conspicuously absent from the swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies. Opposition parties did not give a full explanation of their absence, except to that they "were not invited" (which struck many observers as hollow as the session was announced in the mass media). -------------- ABC Leader Promises "Peaceful Mass Action" -------------- ¶4. The ABC, a leading opposition party headed by former Communications Minister Thomas Thabane, held a well-attended rally in Maseru on February 25. Local press estimated that more than 10,000 supporters and observers attended, as well as the leaders of opposition parties NIP, LWP, and BNP. (NOTE: NIP is officially aligned with the governing LCD party; however, its leader, which opposed this alliance, continues his involvement in opposition activities. END NOTE.) Addressing his supporters, Thabane criticized the IEC for failing to address alleged LCD violations of electoral law and Lesotho's electoral "Code of Conduct". Calling into question the independence of the IEC, he accused the IEC of passivity and non-responsiveness regarding a list of grievances presented by his party. ¶5. Regarding the swearing-in of newly elected members of the National Assembly, Thabane stated that he, BNP Leader General Lekhanya, and other opposition MPs-elect did not attend the ceremony as they were not officially invited. He added that, to MASERU 00000093 002.2 OF 002 their dismay, they were also not invited to attend a recent meeting of the Council of State, of which both political party leaders are members. (NOTE: This allegation has not been substantiated by other sources. END NOTE.) ¶6. Thabane stated that a group of opposition parties would undertake unspecified "peaceful mass actions" in order to apply pressure on the IEC and other authorities to address their concerns. He stressed that his supporters should avoid actions which may be seen or interpreted as violent. The ABC leader also stated that ABC parliamentarians hope to be sworn-in on March 9 when the King officially convenes the 7th Parliament of Lesotho. Thabane added that the ABC will use all legal means, including legal cases and parliamentary filibuster, to obstruct the legislative process until opposition concerns are addressed. At the same rally, the leaders of the NIP and BNP criticized what they referred to as lawless LCD activities (a reference, in part, to the presence of LCD cabinet members at polling stations on Election Day). -------------- Can't Hide From the Issues -------------- ¶7. COMMENT: The show of unity by leading opposition parties and the high turnout at the recent opposition rally may force Lesotho's still-forming new government to deal with complaints regarding the electoral process as their first order of business. The Council of State is expected to meet on Wednesday (February 28) to discuss and bless the Prime Minister's list of cabinet and Senate appointments. The swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet and Senate is expected to take place on Friday, March 2, at the Royal Palace. Now all eyes will turn to Thomas Thabane and other opposition leaders in anticipation of what form the pledged "peaceful mass actions" might take. Radio and pamphlet announcements of work "stay-aways" have already been distributed in various cities. Post has issued appropriate security announcements to local and U.S. staff as well as AmCits. END COMMENT. PERRY