PRESS RELEASE

On January 22 and 23, 2003, the Council of State convened at the Royal Palace in order to, amongst others, advise His Majesty on the Conduct of one of the Commissioners of the  Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Mafole Sematlane.

In that meeting, the Council of State, having satisfied itself  that there were sufficient grounds for further investigation, advised His Majesty to set up a tribunal to look into the matter. Through Legal Notice No. 14 of 5th February, 2003. such a Tribunal was established and has since submitted its findings to His Majesty. In a nutshell, the report recommended that Mr. Mafole Sematlane be removed from office as a member of the Independent Electoral Commission

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 66 (11) of the Constitution of Lesotho, His Majesty King Letsie III accordingly removed Mr. Mafole Sematlane from office with effect from 7th April, 2003 through Legal Notice No. 56 of 2003.

Today,14th April, 2003, the Council of State met to be informed about the progress to date since the establishment of the Tribunal.   

14 April, 2003