Media Statement of the Observer Mission of the SADC Extended Troika to Lesotho

At the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extended Troika, comprised of the representatives of Mozambique (Chair), Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, sent an Observer Mission to observe the Lesotho General Election scheduled for 25 May 2002. The Observer Mission has been in the country since 16 May.

Under an Agreement between the Government of Lesotho and the Interim Political Authority, signed on 3 December 1999, all stakeholders, including the SADC Extended Troika, committed themselves to ensuring that Lesotho holds successful and credible general elections. The Observer Mission therefore represents the culmination of the SADC Extended Troika’s long-term involvement in this process.

Furthermore, the Observer Mission’s presence is intended to support the commitment made by all stakeholders in Lesotho to upholding the rule of law, the promotion of democracy, good governance and the observance of human rights.

The Observer Mission is hoping to bear witness to the fruition of a process that will strengthen national reconciliation and promote peace, stability and prosperity in Lesotho through the holding of transparent, free and fair general elections on 25 May 2002.

Once again, the Observer Mission calls upon its brothers and sisters in the Kingdom of Lesotho to ensure a successful election in which the will of the people will be freely expressed and the results accepted by all.

Maseru, 24 May 2002

Mr Antonio Inacio Junior

Director for Africa and the Middle East Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation

Republic of Mozambique – Chair Country

(On behalf of the SADC Extended Troika)