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Lesotho: Ban lauds successful conclusion of mediation following disputed polls

Lesotho: Ban lauds successful conclusion of mediation following disputed polls

Women and children in Lesotho
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today lauded the recent successful conclusion of a two-year mediation process to peacefully resolve the grievances stemming from disputed elections held in Lesotho in 2007.

A dispute followed the February 2007 general elections – the fifth elections to be held in the small African nation since it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 – regarding the allocation of the seats in the Parliament based on proportional representation.

“Through dialogue, the Basotho stakeholders have resolved these grievances and agreed on the reforms needed to pave the way for the holding of peaceful and credible elections in 2012,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

The Secretary-General congratulated the Government of Lesotho, the Independent Electoral Commission and the ruling and opposition parties for successfully wrapping up the mediation process on 28 April.

He also commended the Christian Council of Lesotho and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for spearheading the process.

“He urges them to continue to play an active role in the promotion of peace in Lesotho,” the statement added.