Peaceful Lesotho election welcomed by AU as tensions remain

THE African Union yesterday welcomed peaceful elections at the weekend in Lesotho, but noted continuing security concerns in the wake of last year’s failed coup.

“The elections were peaceful and transparent,” Raila Odinga, the former prime minister of Kenya who headed the AU observer mission to Leso- tho, said. But he stressed the “need for peace and stability and that requires all parties to work together to deal with the necessary reforms”.

“The relationship between the army and police is marked by tension despite the signing of an accord between these two agencies,” Odinga said.

Lesotho’s snap election was called to break a political deadlock after an attempted coup in August.

The mountain kingdom was plunged into crisis when soldiers attacked police headquarters, looting weapons and killing one officer.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane described the violence as a coup attempt fu- elled by the opposition and fled to South Africa. Both the military and opposition denied any bid to seize power.

The army was confined to barracks for the election, while the Southern African Development Community deployed 475 police officers to provide security.

The military has frequently been used as a political tool in Lesotho’s past -- and Odinga recognised the safety concerns of the judiciary that would have to rule on any electoral disputes.

Politicians also came under fire, with the AU noting the country’s crisis could have been avoided by prioritising national interests over per- sonal interests. In June, Thabane suspended parliament to avoid a motion that would have seen him ousted from power after his fragile coalition government fell apart.

His All Basotho Convention party pulled ahead early as vote counting began on Sunday, winning 35 of the 80 constituencies.

The Democratic Congress, led by former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, held 10.

The Lesotho Congress for Democracy party had two.

But with the rural vote still outstanding -- traditionally a DC stronghold – another coalition government is likely.

Final results are expected later this week. – AFP