adminCape Town — The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Election Observer Mission has reportedly started its work in Lesotho ahead of the February 28 elections.
According to an SABC report, at least 74 observers had already deployed in the country’s 10 election districts, observing among other things, freedom of association, political tolerance and equal access to state media.
South Africa’s international relations minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane who is heading the mission congratulated the Basotho for choosing a peaceful route to their political challenges.
The elections are being held more than two years early in a bid to restore stability following a coup attempt last August in the country of two million which is surrounded by South Africa.
The failed August 30 putsch exposed friction between the Lesotho military and the police and tensions remain.
In October 2014, South Africa’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa helped broker a political agreement that pushed the polls forward.
Meanwhile, the Sadc troika heads of state are expected to meet today to iron out the remaining disagreements in the country’s coalition, the report said. – AFP
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