Lesotho opposition cries foul

Turnout was more than 70%

The ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) has won a massive majority in parliamentary elections but the opposition is alleging that the results are being rigged.

The LCD has won 76 of the 77 seats declared so far, in the 120-member parliament.

I will not legitimise an illegitimate process

General Justin Lekhanya, BNP

Although foreign observers have declared the poll free and fair, the Basotho National Party (BNP) has demanded a recount.

BNP protests after the last elections in 1998 culminated in an army mutiny, which was only suppressed by troops from South Africa and Botswana.

A new electoral system was introduced for these elections, which was intended to make it easier for smaller parties to be represented in parliament.

Audit started

The LCD currently has 54% of the vote, while the BNP has 22%.

Another opposition party, the Lesotho People's Congress has won a seat in the capital, Maseru.

"I will not legitimise an illegitimate process," said BNP leader retired Major-General Justin Lekhanya.

King Letsie keeps out of politics

But the LCD rejects the accusations.

"The present results are a vindication of a position we have held all along (since) we won the 1998 election. Everybody can see the people are behind us," said LCD spokesman Mpho Malie.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says that it has already begun an audit of the results in the wake of the opposition complaints.

IEC chairman Leshele Thoahlane said that the results of the audit would be made available to all political parties.

Observers satisfied

Under the new voting system, in addition to 80 seats elected on a first-past-the-post basis, 40 seats will be allocated according to each party's share of the national vote.

The proportional seats have not yet been decided.

People are concerned that the political chaos of 1998 should not be repeated

Before this year's poll all the parties signed an electoral code of conduct committing themselves to respect the results.

Observers, including delegations from southern Africa, Japan, Europe and the United States, have issued statements declaring that the election was free, fair and transparent.

Turnout was high, with more than 70% of the 830,000 registered voters casting their ballots, according to the IEC.