MASERU — Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has called for urgent action to finalise electoral reforms before Lesotho’s next elections in 2027.
He said political leaders and stakeholders need to have clarity on the laws and system that will be used for the 2027 elections.
Mr. Matekane made the call at the last day of the two-day Electoral System Review and Inter- and Intra-Party Dialogue convened by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in collaboration with SADC in Maseru on Friday.
He said the dialogue was important for Lesotho’s democracy because it brought together political parties, government institutions, civil society, academics and regional partners to discuss issues openly.
The Prime Minister said the 2022 elections, which brought the current government into power, were approved by local and international observers as reflecting the will of the people. However, he said the observers also found some gaps that need to be fixed.
He said one of the outstanding issues is voting for Basotho living outside the country. He said registration for the diaspora has been addressed, but voting has not yet been finalised.
He also said there are electoral laws that are still pending in Parliament. He said stakeholders should agree early on which reforms will be used for the next elections and which ones can be left for later.
He said it is important to agree early on the legal framework for the next elections so that there is certainty.
The call for reforms follows recommendations made by observer missions after the 2022 elections. The European Union Election Observation Mission made 21 recommendations covering electoral administration, transparency, participation and the democratic environment, many of which need changes in the law.
The Commonwealth mission also raised concerns about the voters’ roll, including cases where voters could not find their names or were sent to different polling stations.
SADC also called for reforms to strengthen democracy, peace, security and good governance.
Mr. Matekane said the reforms should also look at making voting more accessible, the possible harmonisation of National Assembly and local government elections, and strengthening the independence of the IEC.
He said government is committed to supporting electoral reforms and has already met with the IEC to assure the commission of its support.
He said it would benefit all Basotho if the recommendations made by SADC, the EU, the Commonwealth and other observers accredited by the IEC are considered and supported.
He urged political leaders, civil society and other stakeholders to use the consultation system of the IEC, saying it is effective and has been tested.
He also said government remains open to giving more support to the IEC as it leads the reform process.
The reforms are important beyond Election Day.
Clear laws, a correct voters’ roll, accessible voting and an independent IEC can give more certainty to voters and political parties and increase public trust in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister invited all Basotho and Dignitaries to Lesotho’s 60th Independence anniversary celebrations on the 4th October 2026 at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.
He said count down activities will be held on 3rd October from 8pm to midnight at Makoanyane Square and main traffic circle.
Ends/TS
