The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho says a cross section of citizens will participate in planned advance voting on Saturday ahead of the February 28 general election. Lesotho’s electoral law stipulates that security forces, nurses, media houses, embassy officials and officers from the electoral commission who will be on duty on election day, are permitted to vote ahead of a scheduled general election. Tuoe Hantsi, spokesman for the electoral body, says the IEC is ready to administer a transparent and credible election. “The [IEC] is so ready. All is in place. The materials have been sent to the stations where the voting is going to take place. The main one on the 28th,” said Hantsi. “The politicians all stakeholders are now together and would see to it that we are having a successful election on the 28th.”
Sharp disagreement between rival groups in Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s government led to an attempt to overthrow the administration. Analysts say tension in the government spilled over into the security agencies after the police and the military reportedly supported rival groups in the administration.
Basotho, as Lesotho citizens are called, have expressed concern that the prevailing political tension could create violence between rival supporters which they say could scare prospective voters and undermine the credibility of the election.
Full Article: Lesotho Electoral Body Ready to Organize Election.
