While the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced determination to deliver a credible election and that they remain on course and faithful to their calendar, extra-mural events pose a serious threat to a free and fairly run electoral process. The electoral body has voiced concern over forecast weather patterns in the country, with citizens put on high alert for the week preceding, during and after elections, due to extreme weather conditions predicted over polling day.
Light snow has, beginning May 13, fallen over the mountainous parts of the country, igniting fear that this will likely deter voting on June 3. Lesotho is known for its harsh winters, characterised by cold winds and excessive snow in the highlands.
The weather has adversely begun to affect the Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek districts comprising a total of 12 constituencies. The status quo is likely to prompt deferment of voting to a later date should the weather not improve.
Full Article: Bumpy road ahead of Lesotho poll.