Issued by: Office of the Presidency
26 May 2002
Lesotho goes to the polls tomorrow (Sat.) in general elections which promise to be a significant milestone on the road to democracy and good governance in Africa.
South Africa which was intimately involved, with others, in the painstaking process of restoring political order and preparing the way for free and fair elections in that country, views the events of this weekend in Lesotho with absorbing and constructive interest.
We urge the people of Lesotho who are qualified to vote to turn out in large numbers - and in peace - to add their voices to those in the world committed to progress, development and good governance.
The outcome of the elections is a matter exclusively for the Lesotho people, but Southern Africa, Africa and the world will be vastly encouraged if there is a high poll and if a decisive democratic step forward is taken. In some ways, it will be reminiscent of what happened in South Africa in 1994.
It is our fervent hope that a durable and secure political system will emerge in Lesotho so that this nation can play a substantial role in Africa's unfolding destiny against the background of the New Partnership for Africa's Development and the increasingly real prospect of an African renaissance.
We wish to congratulate the kingdom of Lesotho on having reached this constitutional point after the difficulties that have dogged that country's political life in recent years.
May Lesotho - though small in numbers in world terms - add significantly to the ranks of those seeking peace and progress in the democratic world.
Inquiries: Bheki Khumalo 083 256 9133