The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Observer Mission has declared the Lesotho's general election process free and fair.

Mission spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Balopi said the political environment within which the elections were conducted was generally calm, peaceful, tolerant and conducive for the free exercise of the right to vote and be voted for.

Addressing the press today, Mr. Balopi said this was evidenced by the final political rallies, which he said went on peacefully as supporters of the parties, interacted without incident.

The African Union observer mission said that the voters in Lesotho have demonstrated an enviable degree of calmness during the national elections. Observers have commended Lesotho on the conduct of the electoral process which has been said to be free and fair.

The mission however recommended that though to call sudden elections is legally viable, but election time should in future be extended beyond 90 days limit and IEC should intensify continuous voters education. The mission also recommended that political parties should be made aware that they are solely liable for the poor turn-up at elections.

Source: LENA