The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has appointed a three-man task team to oversee political parties equal access to state radio and television ahead of the February 17 elections.

Members of the team are Messrs Sehoai Santho, Nchafatso Sello and Fako Likoti. The move follows an outcry from the public and some political parties, that the national broadcaster gives preferential treatment to the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy. Each political party is granted a once-off one-hour slot on both state radio and television to present its election manifesto to the electorate.

According to the IEC, the team held talks with the principal secretary for Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology and the director of Broadcasting on Wednesday, 17 January, 2007, which resolved that measures be taken to ensure parties equal access to the state media. It is also hoped that independent TV and radio stations will also air live political debates.

Equal access to state media is an obligation of the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology under section 47 (k) of Lesotho's Electoral Law, and it is one of the hallmarks of fair elections.

This value is also enshrined in the Southern African Development Community elections principles and guidelines which require member states to ensure full participation of the citizens in the political process, freedom of association and political tolerance.

They are also required to ensure regular intervals for elections as provided for by the national constitutions, equal opportunity for all political parties to access the state media, equal opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be voted for.

For their part, registered political parties and candidates are required by the electoral code of conduct to ensure that members of the media are not prevented access to political meetings, marches, demonstrations and rallies.

Meanwhile, Lesotho has been described as being on course to hold free, fair, transparent and credible election. On her recent visit to Lesotho, newly-appointed UN deputy secretary-general Dr Asha Rose Migiro noted that the country's Constitution and Electoral Law are in harmony with the principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.

Dr Migiro said SADC was confident that the upcoming polls will comply with the principles. The region is particularly interested in Lesotho's elections because, as the current chair of SADC, it is looked up to for guidance.

Source: LENA