International Relations and Cooperation Minister, as well as head of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, on Wednesday, launched the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the national assembly elections in Lesotho.

“It is indeed with a deep sense of pride that we acknowledge that election observation has become a norm and part and parcel of the democratic process in our region, Southern African Development Community (SADC). And indeed, the democratic values that underpin our regional organisation,” she said.

The Basotho people will go to the polls on 28 February.

She said elections provide a platform for genuine and true participation of the people in the political and governance process, through electing leaders of their choice.

“In the case of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the current elections are being held in particular circumstances, since they are a part of a joint effort by the Basotho people and the region as a whole to find a lasting solution that will lead to peace, security and stability in the Kingdom. Therefore, Basotho deserves to be congratulated for having chosen a peaceful route to resolve their political challenges.”

The SEOM has a primary responsibility, as representatives of this region, to ensure adherence to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections as well as to relevant African Union and international instruments and best practices; as to establish whether the elections have been conducted in a manner that is peaceful, free and fair, transparent and credible.

Nkoana-Mashabane said the conduct of SEOM will be guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Laws of the Kingdom of Lesotho and by the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. The SEOM will observe the adherence to issues like the full participation of the citizens in the political process, freedom of association and political tolerance, among others.

“In these elections, in order to ensure extensive coverage during the entire electoral process, SEOM will deploy observers, representing various segments of the society in the Member States in all 10 Districts of the Kingdom of Lesotho.”

The Mission will continue to observe the post-election period in order to determine the acceptance and respect of the election results by political parties as proclaimed by the competent National Electoral Authorities in accordance with the laws of the land. It will also observe any challenge to the election results to be conducted as provided for in the laws of the land.

Following the launch today, members of the Organ Troika led by the Minister supported by the representatives of Namibia, as the outgoing Chair of the Organ, will engage with the leadership of Lesotho, political parties, civil society organisations, the media as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (Lesotho).

“The purpose of our interactions will be to listen to all interested parties and stakeholders, to be apprised of the state of preparations ahead of the election and assess the state of readiness.

“We further take this opportunity to extend our warmest wishes to the fellow peoples of the Kingdom of Lesotho as they exercise their birth and inalienable right to vote and choose parties of their choice.

“May this election also be an indication of true citizenry participation in the political process; by the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho.”

She added that the SADC preliminary statement on the electoral process will be released on 2 March 2015.