Theko Tlebere
In a Westminster-style system of government, the relationship between the executive and legislative branches is structured to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people. This system is founded on the principle of responsible government, in which the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature. A key aspect of this accountability is the prime minister’s obligation to be transparent, answerable, and responsive to both Parliament and the public. This article explores how a sitting prime minister in a Westminster system, specifically Lesotho’s current Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane, holds himself accountable to the people.
Originating in the United Kingdom, the Westminster system is characterized by a parliamentary democracy where the executive, led by the prime minister, is usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons or its equivalent. The executive must be accountable to the legislature, which reflects the will of the people. This accountability is enforced through several key mechanisms:
Parliamentary Question Time: In many Westminster systems, the prime minister and other ministers are required to appear in Parliament regularly to respond to questions from members of Parliament (MPs). This process is crucial for government accountability, allowing the opposition and backbenchers to scrutinize government policies and actions.
The Confidence of the House: The government must maintain the confidence of the legislature to remain in office. If the prime minister or government loses a vote of confidence in Parliament, they are typically obliged to resign or call for new elections. This requirement ensures that the prime minister is attentive to the political landscape and public sentiment.
Public Engagement and Transparency: In modern democracies, public engagement has become an essential component of accountability. The prime minister must ensure that their actions and decisions are transparent and that they effectively communicate with the public, often through media appearances, speeches, and press conferences.
Judicial and Institutional Oversight: Beyond parliamentary oversight, other institutions, such as the judiciary and various anti-corruption bodies, play vital roles in holding the prime minister and the government accountable. Courts, watchdog agencies, and independent commissions provide checks and balances that ensure the government operates within the law.
Samuel Matekane became the Prime Minister of Lesotho in October 2022, following a period marked by political instability and frequent leadership changes. A businessman-turned-politician, Matekane entered politics with a commitment to delivering stability and economic development for a nation long affected by governance issues, including corruption, political fragmentation, and an underdeveloped economy. As the leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party, his main responsibility is to steer the country through this transitional phase while adhering to the democratic principles of accountability.
In the context of Lesotho’s Westminster-style government, Matekane’s accountability to the public is influenced by several key factors, the first being parliamentary oversight. One of the primary mechanisms for holding Prime Minister Matekane accountable is the Lesotho National Assembly. As the central legislative body, the National Assembly plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the work of the executive. Matekane, as head of government, is expected to attend sessions and respond to questions posed by Members of Parliament (MPs). These sessions provide both the opposition and the public with direct insight into the key issues facing the Prime Minister. For example, Matekane has been questioned about the progress of his government’s key promises, such as job creation, anti-corruption efforts, and measures to address economic inequality.
In a government like that of Lesotho, opposition parties have the opportunity to challenge the government’s performance and demand transparency on these important issues. Furthermore, the prime minister’s government must maintain the support of a majority in the National Assembly to remain in power. Should Matekane’s government lose a vote of confidence, it would be expected to either resign or call for new elections, thereby increasing pressure for broad-based support and accountability to both Parliament and the electorate.
Beyond parliamentary mechanisms, Prime Minister Matekane is also expected to engage with the public through various media channels. Public accountability in a Westminster system extends beyond parliamentary debates to encompass the broader media landscape. Through television interviews, social media, and public addresses, Matekane can communicate government plans, provide updates, and respond to public concerns.
Media platforms have become central to government accountability in many countries, including Lesotho. They play a crucial role in questioning government policies, investigating allegations of corruption, and mobilizing public opinion on significant issues. Prime Minister Matekane’s ability to manage media scrutiny and engage with the public demonstrates his commitment to transparency. In the early months of his tenure, he faced considerable pressure to address governance and corruption concerns, particularly regarding his party’s campaign promises. The media has played an instrumental role in urging him to fulfill these commitments. At the same time, public forums have provided spaces for civil society organizations, opposition leaders, and citizens to voice their opinions and hold the government accountable.
Lesotho’s judiciary and independent institutions are essential for ensuring that the government, including the prime minister, is held accountable. In recent years, Lesotho has intensified its efforts to combat corruption and improve governance, notably there is a pressing need of establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission and empowering with more resources the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences.
Prime Minister Matekane has committed to addressing corruption and promoting good governance. However, his administration operates under the scrutiny of these institutions, which have the authority to investigate and take action against any government official implicated in corruption or abuse of power. This added layer of oversight ensures that the government remains answerable to both the law and the public.
In a Westminster-style government, the prime minister’s accountability is multifaceted, involving parliamentary oversight, public engagement, media scrutiny, and institutional checks. For Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, the challenge lies in maintaining political stability, addressing pressing national issues, and ensuring that his government remains transparent and responsive to the people. By effectively utilizing these accountability mechanisms, Matekane can meet his obligations to the people of Lesotho and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, paving the way for future progress and prosperity. The Future is NOW!
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