Issued by: Office of the Deputy President
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT REACHED IN MASERU ON OCTOBER 2, 1998
PREAMBLE
The SADC delegation to Lesotho on the 1998 elections met with the political parties set out herein below in Maseru, Lesotho on 2 October 1998. The political parties, recognising the need to take their country out of the political impasse presenting itself, agreed as follows:
2. THE WAY FORWARD AFTER THE LANGA REPORT
2.1 ELECTIONS
2.1.1 The parties agree to the holding of fresh elections within a time frame of 15-18 months.
2.1.2 The parties agree to abide by and respect the outcome of the elections.
2.1.3 The parties agree on the restructuring and resourcing of the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure it is able to effectively discharge its mandate.
2.1.4 The parties agreed to formulate a code of conduct for political parties which will ensure inter alia the creation of a climate conducive for free political activity and further agree to immediately desist from making inflammatory statements.
3 ELECTORAL SYSTEM
3.1 The parties agreed to the review the electoral system with a view to ensuring greater and inclusive participation in the political affairs of Lesotho.
4 SECURITY -
4.1.1 The parties agreed to work together to create levels of security and stability which are necessary to ensure free and fair elections. Such a secure environment will also assist the process of reconstruction in Lesotho.
4.1.2 The parties will work together to restore stability in the country and desist from any action that may compromise the professionalism of the security forces.
5 INCLUSIVITY
5.1.1 The parties undertake to consult all other political parties which contested the 1998 lesotho elections in order to enable their participation in the above.
The parties agreed to meet on Monday 5 October 1998, to continue discussions on outstanding matters.