Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, has warned that Basotho could reject democracy if it fails to deliver bread, jobs and eradicate corruption.
He was speaking yesterday at the opening of a two-day high-level electoral system review and inter-and intra-party dialogue convened by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Maseru.
The dialogue provides a high-level, inclusiv platform for stakeholders to reflect on Lesotho’s electoral system and democratic development, with particular attention to the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral model, political party governance and mechanisms for sustained dialogue and conflict prevention.
Sekhamane noted that Lesotho is the most democratic country in Africa and Basotho believe in democracy. However, if that does not benefit them, it does no good to the country.
“Democracy is not food. People don’t eat democracy. They eat bread. If democracy does not put bread on the table, then democracy should please get out,” Sekhamane said.
He pointed out that Lesotho has remained committed to democracy because there is no better system yet, but warned that continued failure to deliver material benefits could push people to abandon it.
The dialogue brings together political leaders, Parliament, the IEC, civil society and regional and international partners. It comes ahead of the 2028 elections and amid debate over proposed changes to the electoral system.
Sekhamane pointed to low voter turnout in the last election as a warning sign of declining public faith in democracy.
He said Parliament is the best voice against the political, economic and social challenges facing Basotho, but only if it remains independent and autonomous.
Despite his concerns, Sekhamane said the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system has served Lesotho well in terms of representation.
Previous elections were often followed by conflict and violence, while MMP had helped the country reach a point where elections are followed by expectations rather than violence.
However, he said MMP is not perfect and the purpose of the dialogue should be to examine how it can be improved without predetermining whether it should be retained, modified or replaced.
Sekhamane also stressed that democratic consolidation must begin within political parties, including through transparent leadership selection, candidate nomination, internal dispute resolution and respect for party constitutions.
Representing Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi said the dialogue demonstrates that democracy cannot be strengthened by one institution or political party alone.
He stated that Lesotho’s democratic journey has included political disagreements, institutional challenges and periods of tension, but differences should be managed through dialogue rather than conflict.
Future electoral reforms must be based on evidence and go through constitutional, legal and parliamentary processes.
An electoral system must give citizens a meaningful voice and create opportunities for marginalised groups, Basotho living outside the country and communities facing barriers to participation.
Ramoeletsi also called on political parties to strengthen internal democracy through transparent leadership processes, respect for constitutions and peaceful mechanisms for resolving disagreements.
He indicated that political leaders have a responsibility to promote competition based on ideas and programmes rather than intimidation.
No electoral system can succeed without public confidence, Ramoeletsi said, urging citizens and political actors to raise concerns through evidence-based and constitutional channels.
IEC Chairperson Dr. John Maphephe said the dialogue is not intended to predetermine any electoral reform but to provide space for Lesotho to reflect, listen and learn.
He explained that electoral democracy goes beyond election day and requires credible institutions, informed citizens, democratic political parties and mechanisms for resolving differences peacefully.
Maphephe revealed that the IEC’s vision is a democracy where every eligible citizen participates meaningfully and elections are administered with integrity, professionalism and impartiality.
He called for greater attention to women, young people, vulnerable groups and communities in remote areas, saying stakeholders must ask who is participating, who is represented and who is being left behind.
He also warned that the IEC would be among the first institutions to feel the effects of instability within political parties.
Public trust must be earned through consistent institutional behaviour and confidence that electoral bodies are independent, impartial, transparent and accountable, Maphephe added.
Leader of Opposition Mathibeli Mokhothu called for an honest and evidence-based review of MMP to determine whether it delivers on core democratic principles.
He questioned whether the system provides meaningful representation, whether every vote has a representation effect and whether it offers an appropriate balance between proportional and constituency representation.
Mokhothu also questioned whether MMP provides sufficient opportunities for smaller parties and strengthens accountability between elected representatives and citizens.
He said democracy cannot be sustained by electoral institutions alone and requires continuous participation from political parties, elected representatives, citizens, civil society and traditional leaders.
Chairperson of parties outside Parliament, Litaba Mohatle, said MMP has provided inclusivity but argued that the system has faced problems since 2007 because of political alliances and Proportional Representation (PR) lists drawn by party executives without adequate consultation.
He submitted that PR lists should be drawn from constituency primaries and finalised at a PR list conference.
Mohatle proposed either moving to 100 percent proportional representation or retaining MMP with two ballots – one for candidates and another for political parties.
He also called for stronger voter education and amendments to the Electoral Act requiring disclosure of political donations and auditing of election expenses.
Mohatle proposed that the IEC be given stronger powers to deal with electoral offences and that foreign funding of political parties be prohibited.
He further called for funding for parties outside Parliament to enable them to participate in voter and civic education.
Vice President of the Senate, Tsukutlane Au, said the Senate has an important role in strengthening democratic governance through legislation, oversight, public participation and checks and balances.
He said electoral democracy depends not only on regular elections but on elections being credible, inclusive, transparent and governed by clear rules.
Au added that the Senate scrutinises electoral legislation covering areas such as voter registration, constituency boundaries, political parties and campaign financing. It also has a responsibility to ensure electoral reforms comply with constitutional principles and fundamental rights.
The interests of groups facing barriers to political participation, including rural and geographically marginalised communities, should be considered during electoral reform.
The Senate must consult widely with civil society, traditional institutions and professional associations so that different perspectives can influence the reform process, Au argued.
While speakers raised different concerns and proposals, they broadly stressed the importance of evidence, consultation, constitutional processes and public participation in determining the future of Lesotho’s electoral democracy.
