Regional bloc says Lesotho elections transparent, credible

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday gave its nod to the parliamentary elections in Lesotho.

"Based on its observations, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) concludes that the 2015 National Assembly Elections in the Kingdom of Lesotho were peaceful, transparent, credible, free and fair, thus reflecting the will of the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho," said Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who led the SEOM.

In this regard, the SEOM urges all political parties and candidates to accept the outcome of the election and encourages any political party or candidate that may wish to challenge the election results to do so in accordance with the laws of the country, Nkoana-Mashabane said in Maseru, capital of Lesotho.

The SEOM congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho which was able to professionally organise, conduct and deliver credible elections at short notice, she said.

"The SEOM takes this opportunity to assure the people of Lesotho of SADC's commitment to walk with them in search of a lasting and sustainable peace," Nkoana-Mashabane said.

Voters in Lesotho went to the polls on Saturday for an early election designed to end a political impasse in the kingdom.

The election was held about two years ahead of schedule under a political deal brokered by the SADC.

Early results showed Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) took an early lead in the parliamentary elections. Final results are expected by Thursday.

Voting went smoothly despite fears for acts of violence. Tension had been mounting in Lesotho in the runup to the elections. Early this month, a security guard of Thabane was killed and two soldiers were wounded in a shooting incident.

Though the elections have been peaceful, tension remains as the country waits to see what happens after final results are announced.

The SADC, the African Union, the European Union, the United Nations and many other organizations sent observers to the small mountain kingdom to observe the elections.

Lesotho has been in political turmoil since June last year when 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