Former Lesotho foreign minister Tlohang Sekhamane has been elected new speaker of the country’s parliament following elections that took place on Tuesday.
The Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) lawmaker, who also previously served as finance minister and government secretary, garnered 69 votes against 49 for his rival Kose Makoa of the Alliance of Democrats (AD).
Led by Monyane Moleleki, the AD is party of the governing coalition that also involves the RFP of Sam Matekane and the Movement for Economic Change headed by Selibe Mochoboroane.
In taking his oath, Sekhamane noted the new Parliament had fresh faces and a lot was expected of them.
“That symbolises a new dawn, people have high expectations,” he said.
The speaker elections took place during the televised first sitting of Lesotho’s 11th parliament following elections held on October 7.
Millionaire businessman Matekane is expected to be sworn in as Lesotho’s next prime minister on Friday during a ceremony to be attended by leaders from other southern African countries.
JN/APA