A Member of Parliament (MP) for Mekaling Constituency Mr. Thabiso Lekitla says it is high time the government introduces the smart Identity Document (ID) which does not expire, for the benefit of Basotho.

This he said in the National Assembly on Monday when rising to move that the National Identity Document (Amendment) Bill be read the second time.

Lekitla said an ID which expires hinders Basotho to access services, saying leadership is seen when the nation is faced with a crisis, thus urging Parliamentarians to analyse if Basotho benefit from IDs which expire.

He also indicated that the IDs which expire, only benefit countries which produce them, appealing to fellow Parliamentarians to acknowledge the need for amendment of the National Identity Bill.

"South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana and Kenya are some of the countries which suspended IDs which expire and introduced smart IDs" he said, adding that Malawi and Zimbabwe are currently working on the suspension of IDs which expire.

He concluded by appealing to Parliamentarians to leave party politics behind and fulfil their commitment of serving Basotho.

On the other hand, Makhaleng MP seconded the motion and also reiterated that Basotho are suffering due to IDs which expire as they are unable to access services, saying this issue has been discussed for a long time.

He added that there is no law which provides that an ID should still be used after it has expired thus saying the government is currently breaching the Law.

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police Mr. Lebona Lephema said he welcomed what Mr. Lekitla proposed as the intention is to serve Basotho, commending him for making research for the benefit of Basotho.

He said they are continuing to analyse this matter and have bilateral meetings with some countries to analyse how IDs can be used amongst.

However, the Leader of Opposition Mr. Mathibeli Mokhothu stood on point of order, calling for debate of this bill as per standing order number 41(5).

The Speaker of Parliament Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane ruled that the motion be adjourned as per standing order 41.