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