Lesotho: One party rule (1966-1986)

Updated March 2007

The administration formed by Basotholand National Party (BNP) under the Prime Minister Chief Jonathan followed policies that alienated both the royalists and nationalists alike, both within and outside its ranks. Relations between the Jonathan and King Moshoeshoe II deteriorated further and in December 1966 the King was placed under house arrest for addressing a political meeting without the permission of the government; he was only released when he undertook to refrain from political activities (Lodge et al 2002, 92). The government formed close ties with Apartheid South Africa, relying on it increasingly for administrative, financial and commercial support, but was unable to translate the gains it made into real improvements in living conditions for the Basotho people (Institute of Security Studies 2003; Lodge et al 2002, 92). The government seemed unaware of the extent to which it had alienated public opinion among the middle classes and rural poor, while the Basutoland Congress Party capitalised on the prevailing sentiment (Lesotho Government Undated).

When it became evident that the BNP would lose the January 1970 elections Jonathan declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution and nullified the elections without announcing the result, alleging intimidation of the voters in a communist inspired plot to take power (Encyclopedia of the Nations 2005; Institute of Security Studies 2003). Opposition leaders were placed arrested and the King, once more under house arrest, went into exile in April, though he was permitted to return in December after undertaking to stay clear of politics (Lesotho Government Undated; Encyclopedia of the Nations 2005). Supported by South Africa and with the tacit condonation of the British (who unilaterally resumed aid), Jonathan was able to resist pressure to create a government of national unity (Lesotho Government Undated). Reconstructions of the results (see 1970 National Assembly election results) indicate that the BCP won the election with 50% of the votes and 60% of the seats. The Institute of Security Studies (2003) notes: "These developments merely served further to narrow the domestic political support base of the BNP, and entrenched the regime's relationship of dependence vis-à-vis the Pretoria government".

In 1973 Jonathan appointed an interim legislature, consisting of the 22 principle chiefs, a majority of BNP members and those BCP and Marema-Tlou Freedom Party (MFP) members that were prepared to serve, tasked with drafting a new constitution; BCP leader Ntsu Mokhehle rejected cooption which resulted in a split in the party, with those who were prepared to work with the BNP being offered representation in the cabinet (Lodge et al 2002, 92; Institute of Security Studies 2003). Conflict between Jonathan and Mokhehle came to a head in January 1974. Attacks were made on police posts and Mokhehle was accused of conspiring to seize power; the BCP was banned and its supporters arrested and killed, while Mokhehle and others fled into exile (Columbia Encyclopedia 2007; Encyclopedia of the Nations 2005). The BCP split once more, into an internal wing under Gerard Ramoreboli which was willing to accept the status quo and an external wing led by Mokhehle which in due course formed the Lesotho Liberation Army (LLA) to unseat the government by force (Sauders 2002, 523; Encyclopedia of the Nations 2005; Lodge et al 2002, 92-93). The LLA engaged in attacks on police stations, ambushes of officials and bombings in the capital from the late 1970s onwards (Encyclopedia of the Nations 2005).

References

COLUMBIA ELECTRONIC ENCYCLOPEDIA 2007, "Lesotho History", 6th ed, Infoplease/Columbia University Press [www] http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0859249.html [opens new window] (accessed 23 Oct 2007).

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE NATIONS 2005, "Lesotho History", Thomson Gale, [www] http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Lesotho-HISTORY.html [opens new window] (accessed 23 Oct 2007).

INSTITUTE OF SECURITY STUDIES 2003, "Lesotho: History and Politics", [www] http://www.iss.co.za/af/profiles/Lesotho/Politics.html [opens new window] (accessed 23 Oct 2007).

LESOTHO GOVERNMENT UNDATED, "History of the Basotho", [www] http://www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls/profile.htm [opens new window] (accessed 23 Oct 2007).

LODGE, T, KADIMA, D & POTTIE, D (eds) 2002 Compendium of Elections in Southern Africa, EISA.