Regional observer missions are hopeful Lesotho's much anticipated elections will proceed smoothly when more than 1.2-million Basotho go to the polls to choose a new government on Saturday.

The elections were brought forward by two years to end the political impasse which saw an attempted coup last year.

South Africa has been mediating in the political crisis and the hope is that the elections will stabilise the landlocked mountain kingdom.

The head of the African Union (AU) observer mission, Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, on Thursday said observers had met with various stakeholders, including political party leaders, the judiciary and King Letsie III.

Odinga said observers have been on the ground for more than a month and he felt that despite a few challenges, the nation was ready for the polls.

"Generally, what we are trying to find out is the state of preparedness ahead of these elections. We have also met with the officials of the independent electoral commission. The impression we are getting is that there are some challenges but by and large, there is adequate preparation for elections on Saturday," he said.

"We do think that the playing field has been levelled and that Lesotho should have free and fair elections on Saturday."

Meanwhile, the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa team, led by former South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Pansy Tlakula, has also expressed optimism that Saturday's election would be credible and free.

"I think the Basotho people are ready to cast their votes on Saturday and they have committed themselves to do that in a peaceful environment. We are all hoping for a free and credible election and we are also hoping that the outcome will be accepted by all the parties," said Tlakula.

As many as 1 116 candidates are contesting the 120 parliamentary seats. In the streets, people say they cannot wait for the elections to take place.