Impact of information and communication technology presence on direct parliament debates and security of the future laws of Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho

Abstract

[1] Argued that [a] healthy and credible legislature is indispensable for representative liberal democratic governance. This representation involves consulting the represented, informing and making decisions as well as exercising influence on their behalf. However the legislative institutions of many African countries lack the effectiveness to either inform or interact with their constituents, resulting in unfortunate citizens-representative disengagement.Fortuitously technology such as mobile technology, online and applications, and (privately owned) radio stations have become promising tools to assist developing state by enabling direct access and participation. This technology is perceived helpfulness in enhancing the democratization process in such countries. The study reviews the ability of these tools towards building stable democracy and the practice of good governance in the context of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.The year 2012 and 2014 in Lesotho will remain a historic time for Basotho people. Lesotho received a coalition Government as an outcome of the election results on May 2012. However, in 2014, Lesotho experienced a ‘partial Government collapse’ due to perceived lack of experience on how to manage such a coalition Government. The paper will examine how Lesotho can benefit from opportunities offered by digital technologies to access information quickly, by utilizing the pervasiveness of broadband and other networks. This provides exciting options and opportunities for the Lesotho Parliament to connect, operate more efficiently and be more open to the public. The questions will be “How make use of the convergence of these technologies provides the context for the delivery of the parliamentary strategic key goals? The paper will conclude by set of key strategic recommendations and immediate key tasks to be invoked as an action plan ready to work. This research paper draws from desktop review and literature search to examine the potentials of digital technology for re-engaging the electorate in the democratic Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.