The Basotho Action Party was formed in April 2021, as a breakaway party from All Basotho Convention. Prof Nqosa, the former ABC deputy leader, became the BAP’s inaugural interim Leader. Within the Lesotho’s political climate, the BAP is viewed by many as a party that is likely to revive the dwindling political spirits of the people, after being greatly disappointed by previous political parties in general, ABC in particular. It is therefore almost impossible to talk of BAP’s history without making a befitting reference to Lesotho’s political evolution and how ABC had been conducting it’s affairs as an institution and a governing party.
The post-independence era has been characterised by nothing other than lack of fulfilment of the promises made by the politicians to the citizens. Instead, the governments had been known for poor governance, widening gap between the rich and the poor, no service delivery and corruption. ABC was no exception to this unfortunate trend. Upon ardent desire to better things, members of the ABC sought to initiate a democratic process of an overhaul to its leadership ahead of its 2019 elective conference. Notably, a good number of the members resolved to elect Prof Nqosa Mahao as the Deputy leader, with the view of elevating him to the leadership of the party ahead of the 2022 general elections, following an ultimate retirement of an already aged and ailing leader, Hon Thomas Thabane.
It was during that period of the party elections that deep divisions were experienced, emanating from the denial of some of the members to embrace fundamental democratic principles. An attempt by a majority of the party members to see change within the party leadership was fiercely fought against by others, resulting in a myriad of litigations, which culminated in the party elections in which Prof Mahao and his supporters came out victorious. Efforts were made to try and bring about lasting peace and stability within the party, but in futile.
Driven by a vision to have a party that would foster clean governance, rule of law and equitable economy, nine Members of Parliament elected to cross the floor from ABC to BAP, followed by a good number of staunch ABC members, who left their fifteen-year old party for BAP. Needless to say, in its infant days, even other renowned politicians from other parties came forth to pledge their support. With an exponential increase in its membership, and principles that are seemingly embraced across the board, the Basotho Action Party is likely to be one of the frontrunners in the next elections, if not the party to reckon with, in a foreseeable future. As its name clearly suggests, this party vows to put into action promises and obligations it would lay out before its members and citizens pertaining to good governance, corruption-free and a capable developmental state.