Lesotho elections reasonably free and fair: Observers

Election observers say the Lesotho elections were reasonably free and fair. However, they have all agreed that Saturday’s deployment of the army raised some questions.

The Electoral Commission also expressed shock that the army had been deployed at polling stations on Saturday and contrary to earlier undertakings that the army would only transport voting materials too hard to reach areas.

Observers have recommend a review of access to state media to level the playing field, better facilities for the disabled and efforts to get more women into politics.

With 54 constituencies out of 80 now official, former Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s All Basotho Convention is leading with 42. This was expected as the party enjoys support in Lesotho’s capital Maseru and peri-urban areas. The IEC is expected to publish final results by Tuesday.

– By Nthakoana Ngatane