INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS OBSERVER MISSIONS CONGRATULATE LESOTHO PEOPLE  FOR THE 25 MAY ELECTION

In a statement issued by the Missions after the election, they agree that, the polls have been and are free, fair, peaceful, lawful and transparent.  The delegations call upon the political leaders to respect the choice of the Lesotho people; further, they commend the efforts of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho and praise the balanced coverage by the media.

The statement congratulates the people of Lesotho for their stoicism and high civic spirit and for their peaceful, orderly, law-abiding and enthusiastic participation in the election.  It further notes a high degree of civic duty, especially assistance to the elderly and the disabled people, also great dedication by the polling officers and party agents, despite the hardships presented sometime by physical and climatic conditions.

"On the election day, voters were free to exercise their franchise and there were no incidents of violence or reports of intimidation that might impact on the election process or outcome," the delegation observe.
They further point out that, officials at polling stations displayed professionalism and dedication and were familiar with required procedures; adding that, the elections were generally well organised and managed in a satisfactory manner.

The statement notes that, there were some administrative and logistic problems in some cases; due to difficulties in the distribution of election material and a new voting procedure to the country.  To such, voting time was extended to ensure that all voters had the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

The (international) delegations that observed the pre-election day activities assessed positively a free flow of information through the media, a close interaction between political parties and followers through well-organised political rallies as well as adequate voter education campaigns by the IEC.

The delegations consisted of Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States of America, the European Parliamentarians for Africa, the South African Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the United Nations Electoral Assistance Secretariat.

The Commonwealth Observer Group and the South African Development Community Extended Troika Observer Mission have also declared the election as having been free, fair and inclusive.

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Meanwhile results (provisional) are being announced - per constituency;   see article Lesotho General Elections 2002 of 27 May on this website or www.iec.org.ls/results/