Election observer mission launched in Lesotho

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Wednesday launched its Election Observer Mission (EOM) in Maseru, capital of Lesotho to ensure a free and fair election in the kingdom.

"In the case of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the current elections are being held in particular circumstances, since they are a part of a joint effort by the Basotho people and the region as a whole to find a lasting solution that will lead to peace, security and stability in the Kingdom," Mait Nkoana-Mashabane, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation said at the launch ceremony.

"Therefore, Basotho deserves to be congratulated for having chosen a peaceful route to resolve their political challenges," the minister said.

Nkoana-Mashabane was sent by South African President Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The SADC Organ is responsible for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. The SADC's EOM plays an important role in observing adherence to democratic principles and practices in the conduct of elections in the region.

Nkoana-Mashabane said it is important to emphasize that the current ongoing dialogue among Lesotho political parties in their quest for peace, security and stability in the country, is fully supported and facilitated by the SADC, but at the end, the decision lies in the hands of the people to resolve their political differences peacefully; rebuild and develop their own nation.

As SADC member states embrace democratic values and practices, the SADC's EOM has a primary responsibility, as representatives of this region, to ensure adherence to the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections as well as to relevant African Union and international instruments and best practices; as to establish whether the elections have been conducted in a manner that is peaceful, free and fair, transparent and credible, Nkoana- Mashabane said.

Tension has been mounting in Lesotho these days after King Letsie III appointed Kananelo Mosito as President of the Court of Appeal.

Despite opposition from several political parties, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane went ahead with Mosito's swearing-in ceremony in late January, an event boycotted by Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, who is Thabane's political foe.

Opponents say the appointment was a violation of the electoral agreement mediated by Ramaphosa.

The agreement obliges political parties to defer senior appointments until after the poll.

Early this month, a security guard of Thabane was killed and two soldiers were wounded in a shooting that further worsened the security situation.

Lesotho has been in political turmoil since June last year when Prime Minister Thomas Thabane suspended Parliament to avoid a vote of no confidence that was being pushed by his coalition government partners.

In late August last year, a coup to oust Thabane was thwarted. Mediated by the SADC, all conflicting parties have agreed to hold early elections. Endi