A political dispute in Lesotho’s National Assembly has intensified after opposition lawmakers failed in their latest attempt to question Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane during parliamentary proceedings.

The disagreement centres on how questions directed at the Prime Minister should be submitted and handled under Parliament’s Standing Orders. Opposition MPs argue that the current procedure is preventing effective scrutiny of the head of government, while parliamentary leadership says advance submission allows the Prime Minister to prepare accurate responses.

According to reports published on October 26, opposition legislators are considering their next steps, including a possible legal challenge. The dispute followed the withdrawal of questions by some MPs after disagreements over the procedure.

Opposition leaders, including Democratic Congress leader Mathibeli Mokhothu, have stressed that the Prime Minister should be directly accountable to Parliament on issues affecting the country. The Speaker has defended the requirement for questions to be submitted in advance.

The controversy has renewed debate about parliamentary oversight, government transparency and the role of opposition parties in Lesotho’s democracy. Whether the disagreement leads to procedural changes or court action remains to be seen.