Africa-Press – Lesotho. As the elections approaches, the political parties have embarked on a spirited marathon to sell their manifestoes and woo potential voters to vote them.
Basotho Action Party (BAP) leader Professor Mahao gave the attendants a sneak peek into what he referred to as a BAP New Dawn that he said will soon be unveiled. BAP has not yet unveiled the manifesto for the upcoming national elections.
This year’s elections are poised to be highly contested given the stiff competition in the political landscape, necessitated by the Sam Matekane’s Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) entry into the political arena last month.
BAP members braved chilly weather and rains to attend a one year celebration rally in Mafeteng No. 58 on Sunday. BAP was established on April 23, 2021.
It was formed by Prof Mahao and the Members of Parliament (MPs) who defected from the ruling majority party All Basotho Convention (ABC); Hons. ‘Mamoipone Senauoane, Motlatsi Maqelepo, Moshoeshoe Fako, Motebang Koma, Nto Moakhi, Tello Kibane, Sotlehang Sekhamane and Mphosi Nkhasi.
They were later joined by Hon Molefi Phamotse. The party also welcomed new members who have found a political home, making BAP boast over 100 000 membership according to Prof Mahao.
BAP leader blamed successive governments for not building infrastructures in the south part of the country. He argued that Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing are the poorest districts in Lesotho.
Once they are in government, he said they will ensure there are factories in every district, adding that the jobs will “go” to the people. Proponents of socio-economic policy, BAP, promised to be sympathetic to the economically disadvantaged people.
Prof Mahao said they will resuscitate the low income housing policy. He said social security bill will see the light of the day that will enable many people to receive pension from the government.
According to him, factory workers, those working in agricultural sector and taxi drivers, will receive pension. This bill that has not been passed, he promised to expedite it once they assume power.
BAP leader said they will have a bargaining council wherein the workers’ salaries will be negotiated at. He also promised to have a free secondary education. The BAP further placed premium on vocational and technical skills, saying every district will have such colleges.
In 10 years, the tertiary institutions will have 60 percent students who have received training in agriculture, science, health and commerce as the skills in high demand.
He also appealed to Basotho who are practicing illegal mining in abandoned South African mines to return, saying they will replicate Lesotho Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (LOIC) model across many districts to capacitate them on making a led.
He said Post Bank will be turned into a Development Bank to assist youth who want to enter into business. There will also be a Youth Development Fund that will assist the youth who want to venture into business.
BAP leader also said Lesotho is blessed with high altitude, saying that can be harnessed for sportsmanship. He said his party will mount a sports academy once in government to capacitate sports people.
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