Commonwealth releases Expert Team Report on Lesotho’s Parliamentary Elections
By Yvonne Soppo Disso
The Commonwealth today released the report of the Independent Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) which was present during 17 February 2007 parliamentary elections in Lesotho. The report commends the credible conduct of the elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) considering that the elections took place earlier than had been anticipated. The report highlights the need for a better understanding of the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) System adopted in Lesotho “in such a way that political stability and proper conduct of democratic practices might be more fully realised.”
The team identified a number of reservations regarding the use of the party list and alliances in their report. The report proposed a number of areas in which it believes improvements can be made for the future. It specifically referred to the accountability of MPs, media access in campaigns, the funding of political campaigns, voter education and party-hopping practices.
It sets out proposals to enhance the efficiency of the polling arrangements on Election Day, and suggests a number of areas in which technical assistance may be needed. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon welcomed the report, calling it “comprehensive and constructive.” "I hope its recommendations will be of assistance to the people of Lesotho, “McKinnon said. "The people of Lesotho have the continuing support of the Commonwealth Secretariat in their efforts to strengthen their democracy.” "I wish to congratulate the people of Lesotho on a credible election, conducted in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.
The Team was asked by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to observe preparations for the elections, the polling, counting and results process and the overall electoral environment. The decision to send the Commonwealth Expert Team followed an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission. The Expert Team comprised of: Ms Maryan Street MP (Member of Parliament, New Zealand), Mr Sam Asiimwe Rwakoojo (Secretary Electoral Commission, Uganda), Mr Peter Aling’o (Deputy Executive Director, Institute for Education in Democracy (IED), Kenya)
The members of the Expert Team began work on 8 February 2007 and remained in Lesotho until 23 February. The Secretary-General has sent their report to the Prime Minister of Lesotho, the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, the main political parties and Commonwealth Governments
Comments