NO CHANGES AT THE TOP IN THE GOVERNING LCD NATIONAL

UNCLAS MASERU 000025 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM LT SUBJECT: NO CHANGES AT THE TOP IN THE GOVERNING LCD NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS ¶1. During its national congress from January 31 to February 2, 2009, the governing Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) party elected the following members to the party's National Executive Committee (NEC): ¶2. Leader: Pakalitha Mosisili - Prime Minister Deputy Leader: Lesao Lehohla - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety Chairman: Thabang Pheko Deputy Chairman: Mohlabi Tsekoa - Minister of Foreign Affairs Secretary General: Mothojoa Metsing --Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Deputy Secretary General: Lebohang Nts'inyi - Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Treasurer: Popane Lebesa - Minister of Trade and Industry Publications Officer: Khotso Matla - Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry Assistant Publications Officer: Ts'eliso Mokhosi Editor-in-Chief: Motloheloa Phooko - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Members: Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa - Minister of Justice and Human Rights Nthofeela Lesala `Masoehla Ntlama Thabang Kholoane `Mankati Masobeng `Mats'eliso Monyakane ¶3. The leader of the party and his deputy were re-elected unopposed. However, there was a significant change in the position of Editor-in-Chief of the party newspaper. Long-time party stalwart and Minister of Natural Resources, Monyane Moleleki, who has held the position for over ten years, lost to Dr. Motloheloa Phooko, a close relative of the Prime Minister and also Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. The Minister of Communications, Mothojoa Metsing, was elected to the party's top administrative post of Secretary General after former Secretary General Mpho Malie opted not to run for any position. New members include Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohlabi Tsekoa and Thabang Pheko, who is relatively unknown outside LCD circles. Deputy Secretary General, and Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Lebohang Ntsinyi, Treasurer, and Minister of Trade and Industry, Popane Lebesa, and Khotso Matla, Publications Officer, were re-elected to the positions the held prior to the conference. The number of females in the NEC has increased from four to five. ¶4. This conference came amidst growing speculation that a major cabinet reshuffle is imminent. There are also rumors that Minister Moleleki, who was once deemed one of potential future leaders of the party, may lose his cabinet portfolio since his faction lost the NEC elections. The new committee is composed of Metsing's camp, which was one of three factions leaked by LCD members to the media prior to the conference. NOLAN