Lesotho: Electoral Model: The MMP System

In pursuance of one of its objectives, the IPA decided unanimously on the 25th of August 1999 to adopt an electoral model for Lesotho Parliamentary elections called Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system. The system uses the PR mechanism as a basis for allocating political parties seats, even though parties are entitled to retain the constituencies that they have won. The system is currently being used in New Zealand, Wales, Scotland and Germany.

The IPA did not manage to prepare for elections within 18 months as was expected due to problems they encountered regarding the ratio of the 130 seats of the National Assembly. Parties had all agreed on a Mixed Member Parliament comprising FPTP and PR seats, as well as the size of the National Assembly. The issue of disagreement concerned the mix ratio of the 130 seats of the National Assembly. There were those who were advocating 65/65 Parliament and those who were advocating eighty constituencies and fifty PR seats in the national Assembly.

Source

Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission.