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Statement Presented by the Chairperson of the Group, Sir James Mitchell -
Maseru, 26 May 2002
The Commonwealth Observer Group has been represented in Lesotho since 01 May
2002 by advance observers with the main team arriving on 17 May. The team
consists of six eminent persons, senior electoral officials and former
parliamentarians drawn from across the Commonwealth. The Observers are
supported by a team of five staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat in
London.
During preparations for these elections, senior Commonwealth electoral
officials visited Lesotho to observe the voter registration process in all
its stages.
Prior to deployment to the districts, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC),
the Interim Parliamentary Authority, representatives of political parties,
the media, non-governmental organisations and other groups in Lesotho
briefed the team on the preparations*. The team was present in all the
districts of Lesotho before the day of the elections. On polling day, they
observed voting in nine districts and covered a large number of polling
stations.
On polling day again, the group was on the scene at polling stations across
the country to witness the opening of the poll and to satisfy themselves
that all required preparations were complete. Although a relatively small
percentage of polling stations opened late, the team saw no evidence of
organised irregularities.
The interim conclusion reached by the Commonwealth Observer Group is that,
up to the time of the close of polls, the election was, despite some
administrative and logistical problems, conducted in a manner that provided
the people of Lesotho the opportunity to vote freely for he candidates of
their choice. "We do not consider that the administrative and logistical
problems experienced detracted from the overall organisation of the election
so as to affect the true expression of the will of the people", note the
Observer Group.
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. This issue was resolved following discussions between
the IEC officials and party agents and the ballot papers eventually got
delivered to polling stations. The delayed commencement of voting in this
constituency necessitated the extension of voting to midday Sunday, 26 May.
"We witnessed this continuation of voting and welcome the action of the IEC
in ensuring that electors were afforded the opportunity to cast their
votes", note the Group.
"Our Observers were present for the counting of votes in several polling
stations. This process was very slow, impeded by lack of light, equipment
and other minor administrative issues with the result that the count in the
vast majority of constituencies is not available at this time," i.e., by
Sunday 26. "We are however, satisfied that, when we were present, the
polling station officials were acting fairly and we welcome the assurances
of party agents that they were satisfied with the conduct of the poll",
further note the Group.
"We note with some concern that the results from a limited number of
constituencies were announced in the national media this morning (of Sunday
26), prior to the close of voting in all constituencies", report the Group.
"We wish to express our admiration for the voters of Lesotho who displayed
quiet good humour and great patience as they peacefully exercised their
franchise", the Group note.
The Group will make a final report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General in
the days ahead.
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*The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG)
observed five political rallies in and around Maseru, Sunday 19 May.
This morning, the Observers split into teams of two people each for
deployment in various districts. The Observers will meet with electoral
officials, candidates, party officials and the people in the districts to
which they are deployed. They will observe both Advance Voting on 23 May and
the poll on 25 May and will visit as many polling stations as possible to
obtain a representative sample of the electoral process and to assess, as
accurately as possible, the voting process. (Source: The COG News
Release, 'Commonwealth Observers Deployed for Elections' - Maseru, Tuesday
21 May 2002). |