Maseru, Aug. 13 — Confusion has emerged among members of the public following the introduction of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to redefine eligibility for certain state positions in Lesotho.
The source of uncertainty lies in how individuals, particularly those with naturalised citizenship, will be treated when applying for positions traditionally reserved for Basotho. The Bill categorises Basotho into two groups, indigenous citizens by birth and citizens by naturalisation or registration.
According to Mrs. Mapeete Jonothan, Immigration Manager, the Bill contains provisions specifying which high-level offices cannot be occupied by individuals who obtained Lesotho citizenship through naturalisation or registration.
These positions include, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, Speaker of the National Assembly, and President of the Senate.
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