Africa-Press – Lesotho. Basotho Action Party (BAP) Leader Prof Nqosa Mahao has promised sweeping radical changes if elected. In its manifesto launch at Lithabeng, BAP Leader walked a tightrope promising to tackle head on corruption if elected in the upcoming elections in October. This is BAP first manifesto since its formation in April 2021.
BAP places premium on the three principles: clean governance, rule of law and inclusive economy. The party Leader, said there will not be business as usual once BAP assumes power vowing to sweep corruption in the public sector. To achieve this, he said they will resource and enhance the capacity of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), Police, the offices of Auditor-General and Accountant-General. Prof Mahao also promised to capacitate the office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary for efficiency and independence in the administration of justice.
He said BAP said merit-based criteria will be used in the employment of civil servants. BAP, if elected in power, will introduce performance appraisal based contracts for civil servants and they will also be expected to sign a code of conduct. According to the party, these changes are poised to cause efficiency within the public service. The BAP will push the agenda of affirmative action in view of mainstreaming youth into the economy and small micro-medium enterprises (SMMEs).
He said they will introduce tax holidays for SMMEs. Also in their effort to fight corruption, Prof Mahao said they will review the procurement regulations, adding that tightened and stiff penalties will be introduced. Prof Mahao said they will establish a peace commission whose mandate will be to eradicate lack of peace in the country as well as detecting early warning signs for disruption of peace. BAP Leader told supporters and sympathizers that they will inculcate patriotism by introducing patriotic principles from schools and for youth to be resilient. For sustenance of democratic governance and promotion of local development, he said BAP will see to it that it implements the decentralization policy.
In a speech that was punctuated by applauses of the crowds listening to the party’s manifesto, Prof Mahao said they will establish what he referred to as Accelerated Infrastructure Development Strategy that will be charged with the mandate to build infrastructure and basic services at the rural areas.
He said the Lesotho-South Africa bi-lateral relations will be visited and they will push for a free border movement. BAP also promised to catapult Lesotho to new heights and to a country with dignity. The voters are faced with stark choice in voting for the party of their choice. There are 60 registered political parties eligible to contest in the upcoming national elections.
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