Lesotho Election Pronounced Free, Fair And Credible By South African Think Tank

Following the recent Lesotho election The Brenthurst Foundation, a South Africa-based think-tank, has announced that, based on their on-the-ground experiences, that voting was free, fair, and credible.

The Foundation held observer missions in 434 polling stations throughout the country and had deployed 14 observers based in Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Berea, Maseru, Leribe, Butha-Buthe, Taung, Qalabane, Thaba-Phechela and Quthing.

Their mission was led by the former Finance Minister of Zimbabwe, Tendai Biti and the Vice-President of the Citizens Coalition for Change and included other members from South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sudan and the United Kingdom.

They observed that the polling stations had the necessary equipment to conduct the elections and opened and closed as expected on the day. Although party members were present there was no interference with the voting process.

One issue noted were incidents of names failing to appear on ballot papers. However, these were dealt with by redirecting voters to the correct polling stations.

Meanwhile, with regards to the counting of votes, the Foundation noted that votes were counted effectively and transparently.

Overall, the Foundation expressed its confidence that the election was “peaceful, efficient, transparent and free of interference by political parties or security officials.”

They also commended Lesotho for the peaceful conduct in which the elections took place.

 Photo: The Brenthurst Foundation