The Independent Electoral Commission this week deregistered nine more political parties ahead of the general election, which reports suggest could take place in May this year. This makes it a total 12 parties the Commission has struck-off its roll in a space of one month for failing to comply with the country’s electoral laws, following the deregistration of the Christian Democratic Party, Lesotho Labour Party and United Democratic Party in December 2011.
The IEC operations inspector, Mr Kotsoane Motsie, confirmed to Public Eye on Tuesday this week, in addition to the three above-mentioned parties, the Sefate Democratic Party, Lesotho Education Party, United Party, Kopanang Basotho Party, National Progressive Party, National Democratic Party, Basotho African Congress, New Lesotho Freedom Party and Social Democratic Party, had also been deregistered for falling foul of the law.
“The nine were given a 30-day ultimatum to present proof that they met the basic requirements to be recognised as political parties, as per the National Assembly Electoral Act of 2011,” said Motsie. “The 30-day period ended yesterday (Monday), with the parties failing to prove they meet the requirements.” Motsie indicated such requirements included that the party should own an operational office, proper membership-registration records, membership of at least 500 people and a National Executive Committee.
Full Article: 9 more parties deregistered | Public Eye Daily.
