Lesotho: Setting the scene for Lesotho's political party contest

Mamello Morrison, Political Party Candidate, May 22, 2002

Posters of the leaders of the Basotho National Party (BNP) adorn the capital city from the border-post all the way to the traffic circle and beyond, dwarfing the posters of both the leaders of the Lesotho People's Congress (LPC), Mr. Kelebone Maope, and the Prime-Minister and leader of the ruling LCD, Professor Pakalitha Mosisili, which are posted along the streets of the suburbs of Maseru City. From time to time music from vehicles of the Lesotho Workers Party and the Social Democratic Party pierce the serene atmosphere of a city quiet, even on the eve of an important general election.

The Basothos are largely passive and cynical, for indeed, the questions that occupy their minds are the simple bread and butter issues of the price of mealie-meal and the more important concern of post-elections peace and stability. The politicians on the other hand have done little to assure the general populace that the coming elections will indeed herald an era of peace and stability.

Sunday, 19th May 2002, saw Maseru buzzing with political frenzy as four of the 19 registered political parties held their big rallies ahead of the elections. Observers estimated crowds at the various political party rallies at 25 000 for the ruling LCD, 30 000 for the BNP, 6 000 for the LPC and 1 500 for the newly established, Basotho African Congress (BAC), a break-away party from the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP). The messages from the rallies were the usual vitriolic attacks of one another, coupled with promises of political utopia.

What remains to be seen is whether the size of the rallies is in any way indicative of the expected turn-out on election day. Over 800 000 Basothos have registered to take part in the elections. There has, however, been a great deal of intra-party jostling with the major role players resulting in a number of disgruntled members opting to stand as independent candidates. The one important issue of general agreement is that the elections management body, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has been commendably transparent and accessible. And if the credentials of the IEC are anything to go by, then it is hoped that all role players will accept the verdict of the people. There is hope for free and fair elections.