Maseru, Sep 21 (IANS): Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has said that parliament cannot resume unless peace and stability are guaranteed in the country.

"I'm still under the protection of the South African army and this indicates that not everyone is at peace in the country," Thabane said Saturday.

Thabane made this statement at a funeral of a senior police officer.

Mokheseng Ramahloko, 52, was shot to death in Maseru Aug 30 by the armed forces who attacked police stations.

According to officials, Ramahloko's death was the worst incident ever committed by the military.

Trouble has been brewing in Lesotho since June, when Thabane's rival, Deputy Prime Minister Metsing, vowed to push for a parliamentary vote of no confidence against Thabane.

Thabane then suspended parliament in June to avoid a vote of no confidence.

He was forced to flee to South Africa late August after an attempted "coup" against him.

The attempted coup has been blamed on Lesotho Defence Force commander Tlali Kamoli, who has refused to step down.

Meanwhile, Southern African Development Community and the Lesotho coalition leadership said that early election could help restore political order in the country.