Media Statement on the Lesotho General Elections

The South African Government welcomes the announcement that the Lesotho general elections will take place on 25 May 2002 and calls upon the Southern African region to unite and support Lesotho’s proud efforts in this regard.

We believe this represents a remarkable achievement by all stakeholders towards ensuring that the principles of democracy, good governance and the spirit of the NEPAD are upheld and advanced.

After the September 1998 crisis in Lesotho, and following diplomatic efforts by four SADC countries (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and later joined by Namibia), the various political parties in Lesotho agreed on 2 October 1998 to hold new general elections. An Interim Political Authority (IPA), consisting of two members from each of the twelve political parties that contested the elections in May 1998, was established to oversee the process towards elections. As mandated by the Lesotho National Assembly Election Order of 1992, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho is responsible for administering and conducting the general elections in Lesotho.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152

Pretoria

0001

1st March 2002