The Chairperson of the Commonwealth group assigned to observe the general elections in Lesotho has expressed his hopes for a peaceful process.
Former President of Seychelles, H.E. Danny Faure, echoed Secretary-General Patricia Scotland's statement calling for a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive process as people go to the polls to write the next chapter of the story of their country.
He said:
“We urge all stakeholders to commit to non-violence, consistent with the Commonwealth’s values and principles.
“The significance of elections in a democracy cannot be over-emphasized. More importantly, the significance of this election to the people of Lesotho, the Southern Africa region, Africa as a continent, and the whole of the Commonwealth cannot be underestimated.
“Our Group is tasked with observing the electoral process, to act impartially and independently, as we assess the pre-election environment, the conduct of elections itself on polling day, and importantly, the post-election period.   The mandate placed on our shoulders is one we take seriously and earnestly.â€
The Commonwealth Observer Group has already started meeting with stakeholders in Maseru and will continue to do so until the country goes to the polls, on Friday 7 October.
On Sunday, 9 October, the Group will issue a statement on its preliminary findings.
It will then write a final report before leaving Lesotho, which will be presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and then shared with the Government and relevant stakeholders in the country.
The Group departs Lesotho on 15 October 2022.
The Commonwealth Observer Group members are:
- H.E. Danny Faure - Chairperson Former President of Seychelles
- Justice Mbogholi Amraphael Msagha Retired Judge, Kenya
- Ms Blessings Tunoh Asso Former editor, Channels TV, Nigeria
- Hon. Jacqueline Mohongayire Former Senator, Rwanda
- Ms Terry Dale Ince CEDAW, Gender and Human Rights Advocate, Trinidad and Tobago
- Mr Paul O’Grady Executive Director, Article 21 and former Deputy Head of OSCE Elections Missions, United Kingdom
- Mr Boniface Cheembe Executive Director, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), Zambia
Media contact
- Temitope Kalejaiye Assistant Research and Communications Officer, °®Âþµº
- +44 7423 353835 | E-mail
