By Liapeng Raliengoane
MOKHOTLONG – In an effort to curb political turbulences, Bokang Mateyisi from Mokhotlong has invented a new model of democracy that he believes has the potential to positively transforming Lesotho, Africa and the whole world.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, Mateyisi revealed that he had for a long time heard an inner voice that affirmed him that he is in possession of the skills and talents to rescue Lesotho from its current ailments.
In a quest to fulfil what this voice had affirmed, he researched on the traditional administration of Lesotho and he discovered that the causes of political crisis have prevailed in this country for more than five decades.
“According to my research, the main factors that led to Lesotho’s political chaos are the following: lack of national unity, lack of public opinion in national matters, academic incompetency of Politicians in Lesotho, relentless corruption, politicization of state and private institutions and lack of democracy in political parties. Sometimes these incidents were so severe that they had fatal consequences,” Mateyisi highlighted.
He said to orientate the whole nation about this model, it will take approximately two months and a week. Thereafter, Lesotho will be ready for General Elections. He further said the total amount of money needed for implementation of this innovation is M40 000 000 and the General elections will require M20 000 000 as well.
In addition, he disclosed that this democracy model will teach people that they do not have to be in power or governmental positions to contribute towards the development of their country. He opined that through this model, each and every Mosotho will have a say in national issues. Lesotho’s expertise will be effectively utilized, there will be gender balance in every sphere of governance, there will be the highest level of transparency in elections and there will be minimized expenditures on elections.
“There will be national unity and patriotism, likelihood of post-elections conflicts will be very low, Lesotho will be governed by academically competent leaders and this will mobilize Basotho towards a culture of continuous acquisition of skills and economic independence,” he further clarified.
This model entails among others: having an academically qualified minister to head a relevant ministry, from every village in all 10 districts, there should be 8 representatives – two older males, two older females, two young females and two young males – who will come together in what is called General District Forum whereby they will discuss issues affecting both elders and the youth. This General District Forum will also see attendance of two gender balanced representatives from organizations, churches, schools, chiefs, various businesses, government ministries, non-governmental organizations and all entities within a district. There will also be a Senior District Forum, which will be above the General District Forum, up to the national level.
This model of democracy is very much detailed in Mateyisi’ s book called Pholoho ea Lesotho.