Lesotho Poll Will Be Free, Fair — Minister

February 19, 2015

JOHANNESBURG. — International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane expressed hope yesterday that Lesotho’s elections would be free and fair. President Jacob Zuma, as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) organ on politics, defence and security co-operation, constituted the Sadc Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM).

Nkoana-Mashabane was appointed head of the mission, which would observe the Lesotho general elections, set for February 28.

“As we head to the actual election day, we remain mindful of the fact that the onus to hold peaceful, free and fair elections rests with the people of the mountain kingdom themselves,” she said in a speech prepared for delivery in Maseru.

“It is thus our sanguine hope that all political parties will, as usual, conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a peaceful, free and fair democratic election, as this country has done previously.”

She said the people of Lesotho deserved to be congratulated on choosing a peaceful route to resolve political tensions.

While Sadc supported and facilitated ongoing dialogue aimed at securing peace, security and stability in Lesotho, it was up to the Basotho to resolve their political differences peacefully.

Nkoana-Mashabane said the SEOM’s primary responsibility was to ensure adherence to the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections, as well as to African Union and international instruments and best practices.

“It is indeed with a deep sense of pride that we acknowledge that election observation has become a norm and part and parcel of the democratic process in our region, Sadc.

And indeed, the democratic values that underpin our regional organisation.”

— Sapa.