(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The majority of people in Lesotho are disappointed with the way democracy works in their country, according to a poll by Sechaba Consultants, Michigan State University and Afrobarometer. 58 per cent of respondents express dissatisfaction with the status of democracy in Lesotho.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The majority of people in Lesotho are disappointed with the way democracy works in their country, according to a poll by Sechaba Consultants, Michigan State University and Afrobarometer. 58 per cent of respondents express dissatisfaction with the status of democracy in Lesotho
The former British colony of Lesotho achieved its independence in 1966. King Moshoeshoe II became Lesotho’s sovereign ruler, sharing power with Leabua Jonathan of the Basotho National Party (BNP), who served as prime minister. A few years passed before the country could accommodate to its new political model of parliamentary democracy.
King Letsie III is the current head of state of Lesotho. Pakalitha Mosisili of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) has acted as prime minister since May 1998. He won a new term in office in 2002, and another one in 2007.
Last month, Mosisili was the target of a failed assassination attempt in which his home was attacked. Eight people were later arrested in connection with the plot. Police believe there are more people involved in the attack—which is also being treated as a possible coup—and are still working with their South African counterparts to find them.
On May 5, Lesotho communications minister Mothetjoa Metsing declared: "The incident was politically motivated. There are people who want to take over the government before the 2012 general elections."
Polling Data
Overall, how satisfied are you with the way democracy works in Lesotho?
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Very satisfied
|
13%
|
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Fairly satisfied
|
17%
|
|
Not very satisfied
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21%
|
|
Not at all satisfied
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37%
|
|
Lesotho is not a democracy
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4%
|
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Not sure
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8%
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Source: Sechaba Consultants / Michigan State University / Afrobarometer
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Lesotho adults, conducted in October and November 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
