Chinese businessman ‘bids to become MP’ in Lesotho Election

Could Lesotho soon have its first ever MP from a foreign country? Chinese businessman Jason Shao is looking to rewrite the history books...

Sep 13, 2022 - 18:27
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Chinese businessman ‘bids to become MP’ in Lesotho Election

Jason Shao is looking to achieve something no other overseas national has ever managed in Lesotho before. The Chinese businessman recently decided to try his hand at politics – in a bid to become the country’s first foreigner elected as an MP.

Who is Jason Shao? Chinese businessman takes Lesotho Election by storm

What previously seemed like a tall order for Mr. Shao has started to look more achievable in the past few weeks. The candidate, who represents a newly-formed party in Lesotho, is running on a ticket of increased job creation and improved educational standards.

What’s more, Jason Shao wants the people of Lesotho to ‘produce and manufacture’ more of their own goods – and he believes that an advancement in local technology is needed to create a more sustainable future. His message, it seems, is starting to cut through.

Jason Shao Lesotho
Jason Shao has just under four weeks to win over voters in Lesotho – Photo: Facebook

Lesotho General Elections: Latest news and updates

He has given several campaign speeches within the past few weeks, and he has until 7 October to convince the Basotho public that they can trust him with their vote. Shao has lived in Lesotho since 2006, and his 16-year stint in the country has ignited these political ambitions.

The road ahead is not straightforward for the blossoming politician, though: There are a total of 65 political parties that are contesting 120 Parliamentary seats. In all, 80 are delegated as constituency seats, and 40 are delegated to ‘Proportional Representation’ votes.

From Chinese businessman to African MP? Jason Shao aims high…

He’s also brought our very own Republic into the mix. On more than one occasion, Jason Shao has spoke about reducing Lesotho’s reliance on South Africa – despite the nation being completely enclaved by Mzansi.

The foreign national is representing Basotho Pele, a development organisation whose main objective is to bring change to the community. They are based in the capital of Maseru, but promise wide-ranging changes in sectors across the nation, including sports and agriculture.

Jason Shao is hoping, therefore, that his policies – and not his background – will do the talking for him during this election campaign: