Passion or Profession: Prime Minister

Period: 1918–1999

Born in Teyateyaneng, Mokhehle founded the Basotholand Congress Party (BCP) in 1952. After Lesotho's independence in 1966, Mokhehle led the BCP in opposition to the ruling Basutoland National Party (BNP). The BCP was about to win 1970 elections when the prime minister and BNP leader, Chief Leabua Jonathan, suspended the constitution and dissolved Parliament to keep the BNP in power. After a failed attempt to remove Jonathan in 1974, Mokhehle was forced into exile. The BCP won 1993 elections and Mokhehle became prime minister. Despite an attempt to remove him in 1994, he remained in power until his retirement in 1998.