The Lesotho Parliament has launched its site, and I’m all excited because it is an important step toward educating citizens about the workings of government, which in turn is important because democracies must remain transparent. The launching of a parliament site does in no way mean that a state is democratic, don’t get me wrong. My point is that it is normal for such a state to bare its cog-wheels and the machinery of its activities to the people who voted it into power in the first place. Their FAQ says

What is Parliament? Parliament is a law-making institution composed of the King, the Senate and the National Assembly. People sometimes refer to parliament buildings as “Parliament”.

What is a Bill? A Bill is a written proposal for a law that is being discussed by either the National Assembly or the Senate.

What is Royal Assent? A Royal Assent is a written approval by the King for a Bill to be law. When the King gives this approval, the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament and a law for Kingdom of Lesotho.

What is an Act of Parliament? An Act of Parliament is a law that has been passed by an elected Parliament. Each Act of Parliament is published by the Government Printer in a gazette that can be purchased by the public.

How are laws made by Parliament? A law begins its journey as a written proposal in the National Assembly. This proposal is called a Bill. When it is approved by the National Assembly it is forwarded to the Senate for further discussion. When agreement is reached by the two Houses, the Bill is signed by the King and becomes law.

What happens when the Senate and the National Assembly do not agree over a Bill? The views of the National Assembly prevail.

Can the King refuse to give the Royal Assent to a Bill passed by the two Houses of Parliament? The King may not refuse to give the Royal Assent to a Bill passed by the two Houses of Parliament. When there is disagreement between the two Houses, the King will give the Royal Assent to the Bill as passed by the National Assembly.

What are Standing Orders? Standing Orders are the rules of procedure used by the Houses of Parliament. The National Assembly has its Standing Orders and the Senate also has its own Standing Orders. There is however great similarity between the Standing Orders of the two Houses.

What is the “Speech from the Throne”? The “Speech from the Throne” is the speech delivered to members of the two Houses of Parliament by the King at the beginning of a new session of Parliament. It is written for him by the Government and gives an outline of the Bills that will be presented to Parliament and the policies of Government.

What is an Order Paper? An Order Paper is the written daily agenda of the National Assembly or the Senate prepared by the Clerks of each House.

How many women members are in the National Assembly? There are sixteen elected women members of the National Assembly.