The Second Local Government Election

The second Lesotho local government election will be held in 2010. This was announced by the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Law and Constitutional Affairs Ms. Mpeo Mahase when presenting Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s financial estimates in the National Assembly.

IEC has been allocated over M135 Million in preparation for the elections and it is on the verge of introducing a new digital registration to replace the previous one to come up with an up to date data to make the elections credible and more transparent.

Lesotho held its first ever local government elections on 30 April 2005. The elections were a major step towards institutionalizing grassroots democracy through direct and active involvement of Basotho in their own governance. 139 local authorities, elected under the Westminster-type single member constituency model, were inaugurated to lead their communities in tackling their development and related challenges.

The local authorities were comprised of 128 Community Councils, one Municipal Council (Maseru) and 10 District Councils. The District Councils were elected by the Community Councils for the 10 administrative districts (Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing and Teyateyaneng).

These elections built upon a long tradition of decentralized governance in Lesotho through its chieftainship system. As formalised under the Chieftainship Act of 1968 it is the responsibility and duty of every chief to contribute towards stability, safety, peace and tranquility of people under his or her charge. Chiefs must serve their people, thereby contributing to the development of their communities and upholding the rule of law. Chiefs must also serve their people without favouritism. Chieftainship is an integral part of local governance and is represented in all local authorities with chiefs working alongside the elected local councillors.

Lesotho is currently undergoing a process of decentralization of government. Whereas government at the local level used to be squarely in the hands of traditional chiefs, these powers are now being placed in the hands of government appointed Interim Community Councils, soon to be replaced by democratically-elected Councils. This process is meeting resistance and confusion on the part of the chiefs and other community leaders. TRC is addressing this need by holding workshops on local government, informing chiefs and community leaders of the changes that are taking place, and giving them a forum to air their concerns.

Article 106 of the Constitution of Lesotho obliges Parliament to establish such local governments as it deems necessary to enable urban and rural communities to determine their affairs and to develop themselves. The Local Government Act 1997 outlines the institutional framework for the local government system; the powers and functions of Councils and their organs; and the resource base of Councils. The Local Government Elections Act 1998 provides for the procedures, rules, and regulations for the conduct of the local election process.