More men than women are still showing interest in taking part in the local government elections despite women being encouraged to participate more actively by having some electoral divisions reserved exclusively for them. 

On the second day of nomination in nine of the 13 divisions within the Maseru Municipal Council (MCC) open to all, the ratio of men to women still favoured the former group though at least eight women had been nominated as candidates in two of the four electoral divisions reserved for women: Ha Tsosane and Stadium Area, according to IEC returning officers. 

Of the five women nominated at Ha Ts’osane electoral division, three are independent candidates while two represent political parties, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) assistant returning officer, Ms Mpho Thetsane, said.  

At the other electoral division reserved for women, Stadium Area, three women had registered as nominees on the second day of nomination, one is an independent and the two represent political parties.

31 March 2005