Al-Jazeera reported that Thabane's government collapsed after his coalition partners withdrew their support, signalling a potential end to a lengthy political crisis that gripped the country.

National Assembly speaker Sephiri Motanyane said on Monday the embattled prime minister would be compelled to step down by 22 May, and the formation of a new administration could take two weeks.

Communication, science and technology minister chief Thesele Maseribane has commended members of parliament for engaging in a peaceful process.

In a statement he said following the collapse of the third coalition of the government of Lesotho, Thabane would report the matter to the council of state, which was expected to map a way forward.

He said following this, a new coalition government would be formed, which was expected to proceed with the mandate of the government to implement the budget and ensure that the national reforms were implemented.

He said All Basotho Convention (ABC) in collaboration with Democratic Congress (DC) would  agree on who will lead their coalition in order to serve the interests of Basotho.

ABC and DC were expected to lead this coalition, which was expected to be joined by Movement for Economic Change, Popular Front for Democracy, National Independent Party, Basotho Congress Party, Democratic Party of Lesotho (DPL) and Marematlou Freedom Party.

When parliament opens, the coalition parties are expected to present their coalition agreement which will serve as a guide.

Last week Thabane announced that he might resign as early as 12 June if all the necessary conditions for his retirement were put in place.

"I took the decision to retire from office voluntarily despite the fact that my constitutional term is due to end in 2022. As I did indicate in January, the job of prime minister requires sensory perception, as well as rapid and physical strength.

"Due to my age, I am no longer as energetic as I used to be. As such, I have decided to voluntarily vacate office and hand over the reins of government in accordance with the laws of Lesotho," he said in a televised speech, which sounded as his last address as prime minister.

Thabane, 80, has been under pressure to resign following  the murder of his former wife Lipolelo Thabane.

Thabane and his current wife Maesiah are implicated in the murder of Lipolelo, a charge they have repeatedly denied.

Lipolelo was gunned down in 2017, two days before Thabane's inauguration as the prime minister.

The couple had been living separately since 2012 and were going through a prolonged divorce.

Two months later Thabane married Maeasiah, who is charged with Lipolelo's murder. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Thato Sibolla, who survived the shooting when Lipolelo was gunned down in Maseru on 14 June 2017.

According to media reports Thabane is linked to Lipolelo's murder through cellphone records. His cellphone was allegedly traced to the murder scene.

African News Agency