THE COMMONWEALTH OBSERVER GROUP FOR LESOTHO 25 MAY 2002 GENERAL ELECTIONS APPLAUD THE LESOTHO INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION

The Commonwealth Observer Group for Lesotho 25 May general elections has applauded the manner in which the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) conducted the elections.

In a press release issued Monday 27, the Observer Group note that, up to the time of the close of polls, the election was conducted in a manner that provided the people of Lesotho opportunity to vote freely for the candidates of their choice.

The Group do not consider that administrative and logistical problems experienced detracted the overall organisation of the election so as to affect true expression of the will of the people of Lesotho, notes the release. 

It says, the Group was present in one constituency where party agents expressed concern that boxes containing ballot papers had been opened before delivery to polling stations.  The issue was resolved amicably following discussions between the IEC and the party agents and the ballot papers eventually got delivered to the polling stations.  The release further notes that, the delayed commencement of voting in this constituency necessitated the extension of voting to midday the following day, Sunday; adding that, the Group witnessed the continuation of voting and welcomed the move taken by the IEC to ensure that the electors were afforded opportunity to cast their votes.  "We are satisfied that, when we were present, officers at the polling stations were acting fairly and we welcome the assurance by party agents that they were satisfied with the conduct of the poll," note the press release.

The Observer Group express admiration for the voters, whom they (the Group) say displayed good humour and patience as they peacefully exercised their franchise.