Lesotho Elections: briefing

This premium content has been made freely available

International Relations

19 June 2002
Share this page:

Meeting Summary

A summary of this committee meeting is not yet available.

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
19 June 2002
LESOTHO ELECTIONS: BRIEFING

Chairperson:
Mr P Jordan (ANC)

Documents handed out:
Report on Lesotho elections (See Appendix)

SUMMARY
Ambassador Mamambolo briefed the Committee on the Lesotho elections, which he said had been carried out in a free and fair manner. The only objection to the results had come from the BNP party, in respect of which an audit of the results was now taking place. There was a need for elections procedures within the region to be reviewed and the Ambassador indicated that SADC would continue to oversee the process.

MINUTES
The Chair explained that the meeting would consist of two phases: the first would be a briefing from the Department of Foreign Affairs on the Lesotho elections. Ambassador Mamambolo had recently been installed as being in charge of Africa at Foreign Affairs. The second phase would consist of a briefing by the Pakistani Ambassador on the problems being experienced on the Indian sub-continent. The Indian High Commissioner had briefed the Committee the previous week and a request had been made from the High Commission to have a representative sit in on the briefing by the Pakistani Ambassador. This had not been thought wise however, the meetings were open to the public so a representative could attend it although the Chair thought it best to discourage such a request.

Lesotho Elections
Ambassador Mamambolo, Deputy Director-General for Africa at the Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that the report he had distributed to the Committee was based on the mission report of the SADC delegation that was sent to observe the elections in Lesotho, from the 15 to the 30 May 2002. Elections were conducted in terms of the Electoral Acts and the Constitution. The IEC had played an important role in building confidence and he was happy with the way the electoral process was going on. The observer mission had been able to observe the elections and party rallies. Nineteen parties had contested 120 seats and elections were held in only 78 constituencies due to the death of candidates in two constituencies.

The political context was that in 1998 the government had been accused of rigging the elections. The SADC had stepped in and a new electoral model had been decided on in February 2001. The IEC had introduced safeguards such as voter cards. Rallies were peaceful and demonstrated an atmosphere of readiness.

The observer mission also talked to the parties about the problems they were having. The Basotho National Party (BNP) were not totally happy, however they were willing to accept the election results if the margin of irregularity did not go beyond 10%. Results were subjected to tight procedures. Only the IEC were authorised to publish and announce the results. The BNP had raised objections to the pre-elections procedures and had demanded an audit of the results. The IEC was already in the process of verifying the result and the Ambassador was therefore satisfied that the elections were smooth, peaceful, free and fair.

The current challenges facing Lesotho revolved around rebuilding the economy and the eradication of poverty. The SADC should be encouraged to continue overseeing the process of elections as there was a need for the processes in the region to be reviewed. He concluded that the new Prime Minister had been sworn in on the 4 June 2002.

Discussion
A member stated that he had read that the BNP had got 21% of the votes, while another party got 6%, however the BNP did not win a constituency while the other party had won one. He asked for an explanation.

Dr Pheko (PAC) asked what proportion of the seats were distributed among parties and secondly, what was meant by voter education.

Mr Ramgobin (ANC) questioned the significance of the BNP saying that the election results would be accepted if there was a less than 10% margin of irregularity. He asked if, in the observer missions view, it could be said that it was on the right path for democratisation in Africa and if that were a pre-requisite for the regeneration of Africa in terms of the AU and NEPAD.

The Ambassador replied that there was clearly still a lot to be done within SADC and NEPAD intended to do exactly that. A review was planned with the aim of identifying core values that all could commit to and which would lead to mechanisms of good governance. the process thus far had been difficult with the core values as it was not easy to identify democracy as such without them. The SADC itself had started the process and were showing a greater interest in the process in the region.

Concerning the 10%, the Ambassador explained that it was just an assurance. In any election there was always a margin for irregularities which may not be deliberate but may be caused by, for example, technical problem. During the elections, normal interaction between South Africa and Lesotho had not been stopped. In terms of elections, South Africa was at the forefront in ensuring free and fair elections.

Dr Mokoena, a director at the Department of Foreign Affairs, commented on the results of the proportional seats. She said that the aim was to promote inclusivity so that parties that were dissatisfied in 1998 could be brought into parliament. The BNP had got 21 seats, while other parties had received fewer. There were now approximately 10 parties in parliament, as opposed to only two parties prior to the elections.

On the issue of voter education, she said that voters were being educated in terms of the new model. In South Africa, education was being done in terms of where to place the mark or tick but in the case of Lesotho, voters needed to be educated on the 80/40 model because it was quite complex.

A member asked if the Department were satisfied that the Electoral Act did not have portions in it which could favour the party already in government.

The Ambassador replied that the Interim Political Authority had been put in place so that the different political parties could themselves oversee the whole electoral procedure from 1999 to 2000. During that time, a lot of changes had been made to the Electoral Act so that by the time of the elections in 2002, all parties had satisfied themselves.

Ms Mars (IFP) congratulated the Department of Foreign Affairs on the infrastructural services provided and said that she could only endorse the final report. Ms Mars herself had spent a week in Lesotho during the election and could directly report on what she had seen. She remarked that it had been the most transparent process that could be imagined and that even the ballot boxes had been transparent. She said that the IEC needed to be congratulated on carrying out the elections in such difficult terrain and she was amazed at how much effort had been put in by all concerned.

Mr Hendricks (ANC) asked if everyone concerned was happy about the result. He referred to Ministerial visits made by South Africa to Lesotho just prior to the elections and thought that it might be something to consider for the future as such visits may have an unintended influence on elections.

The Ambassador replied that an audit was being done on the election results but that the result itself had not been challenged.

Ms Mokoena explained that in April 2001, the President had signed an agreement with Lesotho to help it rise out of its classification of least developed country. It had been agreed that the Ministers and senior officials would meet at least once a year. Two or three such meetings had taken place the previous year and the meetings would continue during the current year. The Highlands Water Project and the Muluti Drakensberg Project were some of the joint projects planned between the two governments. Visits regarding the projects had been planned in advance, and although their timing had not been good, there had been no intention of propping up the ruling party.

The Chair thanked the Ambassador and Ms Mokoena and said that the Committee would be grateful to receive a copy of the election results.

The meeting was adjourned.

Appendix
Report to Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs On Lesotho Elections.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.

The Observer Mission of the SADC Extended Troika on Lesotho was established at the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and was represented by the following countries as mandated by the SADC: Republic of Mozambique (Chair); Republic of Botswana; Republic of South Africa; Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Observer Mission was deployed in Lesotho from 15 to 30 May 2002. The mission observed the pre-election, the election, and the counting phases as well as the announcement of preliminary results.

The 25 May 2002 General Elections in the Kingdom of Lesotho were conducted in terms of a legal framework based on provisions stipulated in the Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Interim Political Authority Act and the Independent Electoral Commission Act.

The IEC played a crucial role in building co-operation and trust among the different political stakeholders and groups in Lesotho since the events of 1998. All parties acknowledged and endorsed the role played by the IEC.

Observer Mission representatives attended political rallies and events, made contact and held meetings with all stakeholders and parties involved in the election process.

The 2002 Elections were characterised by a peaceful political climate, and the SADC Extended Troika Observer Mission was satisfied that the environment which prevailed in Lesotho prior to and on the day of the elections, enabled the Basotho to cast their votes freely and in secret.

For the General Elections of 25 May 2002, 19 political parties and 100 independent candidates were registered, contesting 120 seats (80 plus 40) in 80 constituencies.

The following political parties contested:

No.

Name of Political Party

Abbreviation

01

Basotho National Party

BNP

02

Basutoland African Congress

BAC

03

Basutoland Congress Party

BCP

04

Christian Democratic Party

CDP

05

Khoeetsa ea Sechaba/ Popular Front for Democracy

PFD

06

Kopanang Basotho Party

KBP

07

Lesotho Congress for Democracy

LCD

08

Lesotho Educational Party

LEC

09

Lesotho Labour Party/United Democratic Party Alliance

LLP/UDP

10

Lesotho People's Congress

LPC

11

Lesotho Worker's Party

LWP

12

Marematlou Freedom Party

MFP

13

National Democratic Party

NDP

14

National Independent Party

NIP

15

National Progressive Party

NPP

16

New Lesotho's Freedom Party

NLFP

17

Sefate Democratic Union

SDU

18

Social Democratic Party

SDP

19

United Party

UP

20

Independent (100)

Ind

 

The Mission concluded that the purpose of their mission was achieved in that the legislative framework was adhered to and the will of the people of Lesotho was expressed freely and fairly.

Finally, the Mission recommended that:

  • That the SADC pays greater attention to the need for adequate funding of electoral processes in the region to ensure the success and sustainability of democracy.
  • That the existing infrastructure for elections in the region be reviewed thoroughly and modernised to develop confidence in the processes of democratic elections and to bring about efficiency and effectiveness.
  • That ongoing voter education programmes be encouraged through structures like the IEC well in advance of elections in all the SADC countries in order to build a lasting knowledge and culture of democratic elections.

1. INTRODUCTION

The general elections in Lesotho were conducted in terms of a legal framework based on

Provisions stipulated in the Constitution; the Electoral Act; the Interim PoliticalAuthority

Act and the Independent Electoral Commission Act. It is the Mission's observation that

the IEC played a crucial role in building co-operation and trust among the different political

stakeholders and groups in Lesotho. All parties acknowledged and endorsed the role

played by the IEC. Although the 2002 Elections were characterized by a peaceful

political climate, there was still discontent among the opposition parties regarding some

aspects of the electoral logistics which were registered in their meetings with the Observer Mission.

2. THE COMPOSITION OF THE OBSERVER MISSION

The Observer Mission of the SADC Extended Troika on Lesotho was established at the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The Observer Mission was represented by the following countries as mandated by the SADC: Republic of Mozambique (Chair); Republic of Botswana; Republic of South Africa; Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Observer Mission was deployed in Lesotho from 15 to 30 May 2002.The mission observed the pre-election, the election, and the counting phases as well as the announcement of preliminary results and the verification processes.

3. THE PURPOSE OF THE MISSION

The Purpose of the Mission was to assess whether the election would be conducted within the context of the Lesotho Constitution and the electoral legislative framework and whether conditions existed for the holding of a free and fair election during which the people of Lesotho would be able to express their will.

4. THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE OBSERVER MISSION

  • The Mission recognises the close historical ties binding the countries of the region and their responsibility to promote and ensure peace, security and stability in Lesotho in accordance with the SADC Treaty.
  • The Mission will be the culmination of a long-term process of involvement by the SADC in terms of the Agreement between the Government of Lesotho and the Interim Political Authority (IPA) signed on 3 December 1999, where stakeholders committed themselves to ensure that Lesotho holds successful General Elections.

5. THE POLITICAL CONTEXT OF THE LESOTHO ELECTIONS (DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 1998)

The political crisis in the Kingdom of Lesotho broke out after the general elections of May 1998, when the opposition accused the Government of rigging the electoral results.

Lesotho erupted after the opposition refused to accept the results and the demonstrations that followed ended in riots which was dispersed by the SADC.

Through the mediation of the SADC, an Interim Political Authority (IPA) was created in 1998. Members of the 12 Political Parties who contested the 1998 general elections, including the ruling party were represented in the Authority. The Authority was mandated to prepare for the new general elections, in collaboration with the Lesotho Government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

On 3 December 1999, the Government and the Interim Political Authority (IPA) signed an agreement that established a mechanism for holding transparent, free and fair general elections within a period of 18 months.

Due to the deadlock between the Government and the IPA concerning the electoral model and electoral registration system, it was not possible to hold the elections within the agreed time frame.

A new electoral model, known as the Mixed Member Proportional Model, was approved on 28 February 2001. The model prescribes the distribution of the parliamentary seats on an 80/40 basis. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was established without major problems, albeit in the context of mistrust among the political parties.

6. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE ELECTIONS

The 25 May 2002 General Elections in the Kingdom of Lesotho were conducted in terms of a legal framework based on legal provisions stipulated in the Constitution, i.e. the Electoral Act, the Interim Political Authority Act and the Independent Electoral Commission Act.

6.1. The Constitution

Several Acts were passed to amend the Constitution so as to provide for an Independent Electoral Commission, to define its composition, powers and functions and, consequently, to abolish the Constituency Delimitation Commission; to abolish the office of the Chief Electoral Officer; to reduce the prescribed age from 21 to 18 years for a person to qualify to be registered as an elector to the National Assembly; to make provision for the vacation of the office of member of Parliament on grounds of imprisonment or absence; and for other related matters.

6.2. The Electoral Act

The National Assembly Election Act of 1992 was amended to give further effect to the decisions of the Interim Political Authority to establish a Mixed Member Proportional Electoral System for the election of members of Parliament.

The Mixed Member Proportional System provides for 80 constituency seats and 40 proportional representation seats. The 80 constituency seats will be done on the "first-pass-the-post" system and the 40 proportional representation seats would be based on the total number of votes each party gets.

6.3. The Interim Political Authority Act

In terms of the Interim Political Authority Act of 1998, the Interim Political Authority (IPA) was established, which was mandated to facilitate and promote, in conjunction with the Legislative and Executive structures in Lesotho, the preparation for general elections to be held within a period of 18 months from the date of commencement of this Act by, among other things:

  • Creating and promoting conditions conducive to the holding of free and fair elections;
  • Levelling the playing field for all political parties and candidates that seek to participate in the elections; and
  • Eliminating any impediments to legitimate political activity.

6.4. The Independent Electoral Commission

    • The Constitution provides for the establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission whose mandate is to among others ensure that elections to the National Assembly and local authorities are held regularly and that every election or referendum held is free and fair;
    • Organise, conduct and supervise, in an impartial and independent manner, elections to the National Assembly and referenda under the provisions of the Constitution and any other law.
    • To compile a general register of electors and constituency registers of electors for the several constituencies and to maintain such register or registers up to date.
    • To ascertain, publish and declare the results of elections.
    • To adjudicate complaints of alleged irregularities in any aspect of the electoral or referendum process at any stage other than in an election petition.

The IEC has played a crucial role in building co-operation and trust among the different political stakeholders and groups in Lesotho since the events of 1998.

The IEC forms a transparent process of consultation and accordingly, also formed working committees that enabled active participation by the different political parties and stakeholders. Issues of concern are dealt with through this consultative and participative process.

7. POLITICAL PARTIES AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 2002 GENERAL ELECTIONS

For the General Elections of 25 May 2002, 19 political parties and 100 independent candidates were registered, contesting 120 seats (80 plus 40) in 80 constituencies.

The following political parties contested:

No.

Name of Political Party

Abbreviation

01

Basotho National Party

BNP

02

Basutoland African Congress

BAC

03

Basutoland Congress Party

BCP

04

Christian Democratic Party

CDP

05

Khoeetsa ea Sechaba/ Popular Front for Democracy

PFD

06

Kopanang Basotho Party

KBP

07

Lesotho Congress for Democracy

LCD

08

Lesotho Educational Party

LEC

09

Lesotho Labour Party/United Democratic Party Alliance

LLP/UDP

10

Lesotho People's Congress

LPC

11

Lesotho Worker's Party

LWP

12

Marematlou Freedom Party

MFP

13

National Democratic Party

NDP

14

National Independent Party

NIP

15

National Progressive Party

NPP

16

New Lesotho's Freedom Party

NLFP

17

Sefate Democratic Union

SDU

18

Social Democratic Party

SDP

19

United Party

UP

20

Independent (100)

Ind

 

8. THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

Observers were deployed to Greater Maseru; Berea; Leribe; Butha-Buthe; Mokhotlong; Mafeteng; Mohaleshoek; Quthing; Qachas Nek and Thaba Tseka areas. Maseru received the largest number of Observers due to the fact that it is a hub of political activity.

 

8.1. Meetings with the Stakeholders

The Mission requested a meeting with the Lesotho Minister of Foreign Affairs in order to introduce itself and to pay its courtesies before the Election.

The Observer Mission then met with the IEC, representatives of political parties and NGOs in order to familiarise itself with their views of the situation in the run-up to the elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) met with the Observer Mission to brief it on the state of readiness for the elections. The meeting was chaired by the IEC Chairperson Mr L Thoahlane and was attended by representatives of the SADC Extended Troika member countries, namely Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Observer Mission was informed that four "safeguards" for dealing with areas of concern had been created by the IEC, namely:

  1. Introduction of voter cards with photographs;
  2. A computerised voter fingerprinting system;
  3. A tripartite agreement among the traditional chiefs, the IEC and the political party agents to identify voters in the respective constituencies; and
  4. Political parties were requested to verify the accuracy of voter lists distributed by the IEC, once the registration process was completed.

After a consensus had been reached by all parties with regards to the abovementioned safeguards, an agreement about the design of the ballot papers, printing thereof in South Africa and the security of bringing the ballot papers into Lesotho was reached.

In addition, the Observer Mission was informed that in order to secure participation in and ownership of the electoral process, the IEC had established Committees to deal with the various areas of concern. All political parties were represented on these Committees. The Committees dealt with the following areas: 1) Logistics; 2) Voter Education; 3) Media Liaison; 4) Security; 5) Conflict Management; 6) Data Management; 7) Election Coordination; 8) Law.

Observer Mission representatives also attended political rallies and events, made contact and held meetings with relevant stakeholders and parties involved in the election process.

The 2002 Elections were characterised by a peaceful political climate. There were no reports of incidents of intimidation or violence or "no go areas".

The final major pre-election rallies were held in Maseru on 19 May 2002. The Mission deployed three teams to attend the different rallies. Of the 19 political parties participating in the elections, only 5 held big rallies, namely the Lesotho Workers Party (LWP), the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP), the Lesotho Peoples Congress (LPC); the Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD).

The rallies were marked by a spirit of healthy political competition. By the time the final rallies took place, there was already an atmosphere of readiness for a proper, hotly contested and peaceful election. The Observer Mission further held meetings with a number of political parties with a view to assessing election readiness and general views regarding the entire election process and preparations.

During meetings with political parties, the Observer Mission also tried to ascertain whether the parties would accept the results, irrespective of who won. The conclusion of the Mission at that stage was that parties had shown great confidence in the manner in which the IEC had carried out its mandate. Parties indicated their appreciation of the openness with which the IEC had been handling the electoral process. They confirmed their participation in the eight committees set up by the IEC and were optimistic that the Election would be free of major problems, especially in view of the public's desire for peace.

Although there was a general feeling of optimism and confidence in the election process, the BNP raised concerns about the security and transportation of ballot papers. During a meeting with the SADC Extended Troika Observer Mission, they indicated that they would accept the results only if the margin of error did not exceed 10 %.

 

9. THE ELECTIONS

The Elections were to take place in two stages. Firstly, there would be advance voting for special category voters to be held on 23 May 2002. Secondly, there would be the normal general voting for all other categories of voters to take place on 25 May 2002. Diplomatic staff had already voted on 17 May 2002, and their ballot papers were sent to Maseru to arrive by 23 May 2002. These were added to the general voters' ballot boxes on 25 May 2002. The total number of advance voters was 10746.

A total of 960 000 ballot papers were printed even though the number of registered voters for the elections was 831 000. This was to cater for spoilt ballots. The elections ran smoothly in all the districts observed by the Mission. Although the electoral officers were competent and effective, poor infrastructure at polling stations resulted in long queues and delays in the voting process. Party agents were present at all polling stations and proper procedures were observed. Parties at the polling stations raised few queries and matters were speedily settled.

The SADC Extended Troika Observer referred all issues which were reported by observers, to the IEC for further action, depending on their nature. Some Constituencies, such as Mabote, experienced logistical difficulties which necessitated an extension of time for the voting by another two hours on 25 May, and by half a day on 26 May 2002.

Polling stations closed at 17:00 as scheduled, with the exception of a few which had opened late and voting had to be extended to the following day.

In all constituencies, counting at polling stations started immediately after the closing of the polls on 25 May 2002. Many proceeded well, albeit under extremely difficult circumstances due to poor facilities, especially lighting. Other constituencies and polling stations could not begin counting immediately as voting had not been completed and an extension of the voting time had been granted.

The counting processes took time as a result of the transparency which polling officers wanted to display.

 

10. THE POST ELECTION PHASE

The Observer Mission, led by HE Dr L Santos Simão (Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation), held a meeting with the BNP leader General Justin Lekhanya, to discuss allegations of irregularities in the electoral process, such as ballot boxes transported in "shabby" vehicles, possible dubious origins of results faxed to the IEC Results Centre in Maseru, and the need for auditing of the final results before the official announcement.

Despite his concerns, General Lekhanya assured the SADC Extended Troika that peace and stability would prevail in the country, since "the BNP does not want to become a bad loser. We are prepared to shake Mosisili's hand if we are satisfied that we really lost and an audit can prove it".

A meeting was also held with the Foreign Minister of Lesotho, the Honourable Thomas Thabane, who assured the Mission that all complaints made by political parties would be looked into and dealt with in a peaceful manner under the existing legal provisions. He also expressed his "profound appreciation of the commitment and contribution of the SADC Extended Troika towards the success of the Lesotho general elections".

 

11. TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS, VERIFICATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS.

The system of transmitting results to Constituency and District levels before they were distributed to the IEC Results Centre, ensured that the verification process was subject to tight security. With the exception of a complaint from the BNP regarding the faxing of results, the Mission received no other major queries regarding the integrity of the system of results transmission.

Results were verified as per the procedures specified by the IEC and as agreed to by participating parties beforehand.

Only the IEC was authorised to publish and announce the provisional and final results of the elections.

 

12. OBJECTIONS AND COMPLAINTS FROM PARTIES

As indicated above, the BNP raised an objection about aspects of the pre-election process and the transmission of results from constituencies. The Observer Mission referred the BNP to the existing provisions and procedures that Parties can follow to find redress. The BNP demanded an audit of the results.

13. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The SADC Extended Troika Observer Mission was satisfied that the environment which prevailed in Lesotho prior to and on the day of the elections, enabled the Basotho to cast their votes freely and in secret.

The Mission concluded that the purpose of their mission was achieved in that the legislative framework was adhered to and the will of the people of Lesotho was expressed freely and fairly.

The Pre-Election Phase: The Observer Mission concluded that the pre-election phase was characterised by peace and calmness. No major interventions were required of either the Mission or any other authority.

The Legal Framework: The Observer Mission noted that the Legal Framework, as provided for in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Lesotho, rendered a conducive environment to run free and fair elections.

The Elections: Time and logistical problems notwithstanding, the Observer Mission concludes that the Elections of 25 May 2002 in Lesotho were smooth, peaceful, fair and free. Electoral officers were available to assist voters; there was adequate security at polling stations and all parties were represented by their agents. Elaborate measures to ensure transparency were used to count votes and agreement of all present was sought throughout. Voter education conducted by the IEC had taken place prior to the elections.

The majority of the polling stations opened on time, proper procedures were followed, and there was co-operation among party agents and polling station staff. The latter were courteous, helpful, professional, efficient and effective.

 

14. CHALLENGES

The May 2002 General Elections are significant for the immediate and long term future of Lesotho.

In the post-election period, Lesotho needs to address the following challenges:

  • The development challenges that face the country, especially the rebuilding of the economy and the eradication of poverty.
  • To reconcile the different groups that were affected by the political disputes of the past remains a priority. In particular the consolidation of democracy and the development of local implementation strategies and instruments of democracy, as evidenced by the work of the IEC and political parties since 1998, must continue.

 

15. RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • That the SADC pays greater attention to the need for adequate funding of electoral processes in the region to ensure the success and sustainability of democracy.
  • That the existing infrastructure for elections in the region be reviewed thoroughly and modernised to develop confidence in the processes of democratic elections and to bring about efficiency and effectiveness.
  • That ongoing voter education programmes should be encouraged through structures like the IEC well in advance of elections in all the SADC countries in order to build a lasting knowledge and culture of democratic elections.
  • Any assessment made of electoral processes in general and in Africa in particular, should consider the context in which such an election takes place. Thus, particular attention should be paid to the existing conditions in any given country.

 

16. DEVELOPMENTS IN LESOTHO SINCE THE ELECTIONS.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister, Honourable P.K. Mosisili was sworn in on 4 June while the new Cabinet was sworn in on Wednesday 12 June 2002. The absence of the opposition at the ceremony was noticeable. The following constitutes the Lesotho Cabinet:

  • Honourable Sephiri Enoch Motanyane-former Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs now Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
  • Honourable Lesao Archibald Lehohla- Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Education retains his position.
  • Honourable Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa- former Finance Minister now Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • Thomas Motsoahae Thabane-former Minister of Foreign Affairs now Minister of Home Affairs.
  • Honourable Monyane Moleleki- Minister of Natural Resources (Water and Energy).
  • Honourable Mpho Madie- Minister of Trade and Industry (retains post)
  • Honourable Vova Bulane- Minister of Agriculture, Co-operatives and Land Reclamation.
  • Honourable Mofelehetsi Moerane - Minister of Public Works and Transport.
  • Honourable Mathabiso Lepono - Minister of Environment, Youth Affairs and Sports.
  • Honourable Matumelo Pontsho Sekatle- Minister of Local Government.
  • Honourable Sello Clement Machakela - Minister of Employment and Labour.
  • Honourable Dr. Mothoheloa Phooko - Minister Health and Social Welfare.
  • Honourable Popane Lebesa- Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning.
  • Honourable Mpeo Mahase- Assistant Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs.
  • Honourable Nthloi Motsamai- Speaker of the National Assembly
  • Honourable Ralechate Mokose-Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly(former Lesotho High Commissioner to South Africa).
  • Two Portfolios: Law and Constitutional Affairs and Finance not yet known. Two Ministers will first be sworn in as Senators before they can become Ministers at a date not yet known.

Audio

No related

Documents

No related documents

Present

  • We don't have attendance info for this committee meeting

Download as PDF

You can download this page as a PDF using your browser's print functionality. Click on the "Print" button below and select the "PDF" option under destinations/printers.

See detailed instructions for your browser here.

Share this page: