OAU SECRETARY GENERAL IN LESOTHO, 20 - 21 MAY 2002, ON LESOTHO 25 MAY GENERAL ELECTIONS
	The Secretary General of the Organisation of African unity (OAU), Amara Essy and his delegation were in Lesotho from Monday, 20 May 2002 for a two-day fact-finding mission regarding preparations for the May 25 Lesotho general elections. Speaking at a reception in Maseru to honour the visit of Secretary General Essy and delegation, Monday 20, Lesotho Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motsoahae Thabane expressed his believe that all leaders of opposition parties in Lesotho have full trust in the ability of the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to conduct the electoral process in a transparent and credible manner. He said, the Lesotho nation is expecting that, those who are in the race with the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy abide by the outcome of electoral processes in order to enhance the national collective stability in the region. Thabane further expressed his gratitude to the OAU for responding to the request of Lesotho to send observers for the May 25 elections; saying that, this group of integrity will be part of the historic event. He acknowledged the important role that the OAU has been playing in the electoral process throughout the continent, to ensure that its member states create a conducive environment for the realisation of a sustainable culture of tolerance, peace and democracy. Further, Minister Thabane said, the visit of Secretary General Essy to the Southern African region and to Lesotho on the eve of the launching of the African Union (AU) in Durban, South Africa, July 2002 is testimony and signifies the importance the OAU attaches to the role that even small states like Lesotho can play in ensuring that transition from OAU to AU is successful. He concluded by explaining that, in line with the Constructive Act of the AU, especially as it relates to popularising it, Lesotho Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili held a successful meeting with leaders of all political parties in Lesotho in the year 2001; adding that, that day, the leaders commended Government of Lesotho for a brief and acknowledged the importance of the envisaged AU as well as the Pan African Parliament. At the same occasion, Secretary General Essy noted that, the OAU plays an important role in the building of peace and stability among its member states; adding that, the two are needed for economic growth in the continent. He advised that, the world is watching carefully the manner in which Lesotho will behave during the post election period; adding that, it is important to note that engaging in a free and fair election will show that Lesotho as well as other African states could solve their own problems. Further, he noted that, bad deeds that surround elections, as was the case in Lesotho after the 1998 elections, do not affect only a particular country, but the continent as a whole. Secretary General Essy and his delegation paid courtesy calls on Lesotho king Letsie III and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. He held meetings with Minister Thabane of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, Human Rights & Rehabilitation and of Law & Constitutional Affairs, Refiloe Masemene, Chairperson of the IEC, Leshele Thoahlane and leaders of Political Parties. Mr. Essy, citizen of Cot'e Devoir was elected into position of Secretary General - OAU at a Summit of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in Lusaka, Zambia, July 2001. He succeeds Salim Ahmed Salim of Tanzania.
	SOURCE: THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS - MAY 20, 2002