Staff Reporter
A MAJORITY of Basotho believe?politicians serve their own selfish interests rather than those of the electorate who put them in power.??Basotho also have no confidence in Parliament because they believe MPs are corrupt and use their positions to serve their own interests. ?
This according to?an?Afrobarometer report released by Advision Lesotho on 14 November 2024, which examines public perceptions of governance, corruption, and accountability.
The report comes amid weekly headlines of ministers’ involvement in shady tenders while some are busy acquiring state assets despite their prior promises that they wanted political power to serve the masses.
The survey states that 66% of Basotho say Members of Parliament (MPs) prioritise their personal interests. Another 21% think MPs serve the interests of their political parties, leaving a mere 11% who feel that MPs represent the interests of all Basotho.
“These findings suggest that MPs are widely seen as disconnected from the electorate. Citizens feel their representatives are self-serving and unresponsive to public demands,” the report states.
According to the Afrobarometer report, trust in Parliament, as an institution, is at a dangerously low level.? Nearly seven in 10 Basotho (69%) say they trust parliamentarians “just a little bit” or “not at all.”
This overwhelming lack of confidence is compounded by widespread dissatisfaction with MP performance: 64% disapprove of their MP’s efforts over the past year.
“This lack of trust is deeply concerning. Parliament should be the voice of the people, but these findings indicate that citizens feel abandoned by their elected representatives,” the report states.
The problem is exacerbated by the perception that MPs fail to engage with their constituents. When asked about how often MPs listen to their concerns, a striking 69% of Basotho say MPs never listen, while only 10% report that MPs often or always consider their views.
“The perception that MPs don’t listen to citizens is consistent across all demographics, whether urban or rural, and even among those experiencing moderate or high levels of poverty.”
This disconnect raises questions about the effectiveness of Parliament as a representative body.
Basotho are clear about what they expect from their MPs. A vast majority, 83%, believe that MPs should act according to the demands of voters rather than following their own ideas, the report says.
“Basotho want MPs to be accountable to them. This is not just a preference; it’s a demand.”
Another 62% of respondents say Parliament should take a more active role in ensuring the prime minister accounts for government spending.
“This finding underscores the need for stronger checks and balances within the government.
“Parliament should be a cornerstone of democratic accountability, but citizens are increasingly disillusioned with its current performance.”
This sentiment was echoed by one respondent in the survey who said, “MPs are quick to campaign and make promises, but once they get into office, they disappear. They do not care about us until the next elections.”
A significant factor fuelling public mistrust is the perception of corruption within Parliament. Nearly half of Basotho (48%) believe that MPs are involved in corrupt activities. Although this figure has decreased slightly from the 57% recorded in 2022, it remains alarmingly high and reflects a serious erosion of public confidence in the legislative body.
“The perception of corruption in Parliament is not isolated. It is part of a broader pattern of distrust in institutions that are supposed to safeguard public interests.”
One participant from the survey commented, “Corruption is everywhere. MPs are no different. They use their positions to enrich themselves instead of serving the people.”
Many Basotho feel that politicians fail to deliver on their promises once elected. The report highlights that this sentiment is not new but has deepened over the years as successive governments have struggled to address key issues such as unemployment, poverty, and access to basic services.
“When election time comes, they come to us with sugar-coated words and promises. But after they win, they don’t even remember us,” one survey participant lamented.
The report also points to a lack of tangible outcomes from parliamentary debates and legislative processes. While MPs engage in discussions about development and reforms, these efforts rarely translate into meaningful change on the ground.
“Restoring trust in Parliament will require more than just words. It will take actionable reforms that prioritise the needs of ordinary Basotho over political or personal gain.”
Despite the challenges, the Afrobarometer report says many Basotho remain hopeful that with the right leadership and reforms, the political system can be revitalised to better serve the people.
One respondent remarked, “We need leaders who truly care about us, not just their wallets. If we get that, we can change this country for the better.”
In the words of another participant, “Parliament belongs to us, not them. It’s time they start acting like?that.”
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