STATEMENT OF THE OAU OBSERVER TEAM ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO HELD ON 25 MAY 2002.
	1. At the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Observer Team arrived in Maseru, Lesotho on 22 May 2002 to observe the Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 25 May 2002. 2. The OAU Observer Team was led by Mr. Gabriel Roberts, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission of the Republic of The Gambia. 3. During the period leading to the 25 May and after, the Team observed the voting process, verification and the counting of votes. 4. The OAU Observer Team wishes to commend the people of Lesotho for coming out in large numbers to vote, thus exercising their democratic right. 5. The OAU Observer Team further wishes to commend the Independent Electoral Commission and other Electoral Officers, members of the Security Services and the Political Parties for the excellent manner in which they conducted themselves during the elections. 6. On the basis of observations on the voting and count during the elections, the OAU Observer Team wishes to state that, in general, the elections were held in a transparent and credible environment, which enabled the people of Lesotho to exercise their democratic right in dignity. 7. The Organization of African Unity Team congratulates the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for voting in an orderly, friendly and peaceful manner. 8. The Organization of African Unity calls on all Political Parties to respect the wishes of the people. Issued on 27 May, 2002 - Maseru
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