Lesotho has every reason to stand tall this week. Our Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has been recognised among Africa’s top four electoral bodies for the quality, credibility and professionalism of its electoral processes, according to the Electoral Integrity Global Report 2025.
This ranking places Lesotho in the company of continental leaders — Cape Verde, Ghana and The Gambia — while outperforming larger, better-funded democracies such as South Africa. Scoring 72 points in the assessment is no small feat; it is a resounding affirmation that the IEC’s work is not only noticed at home but applauded on the global stage.
The honour was revealed at the 27th Annual General Conference of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC), held in Eswatini from 1 to 5 December 2025. There, Lesotho’s IEC was celebrated as an example of what sustained reform, institutional discipline and unwavering professionalism can achieve — even in a developing, resource-constrained environment.
This recognition is grounded in rigorous evaluation. The Electoral Integrity Project measures national elections across four pillars: contestation, participation, deliberation and adjudication. That Lesotho scores highly on these indicators reflects years of strengthened systems, improved transparency, and tighter administrative controls. It is also testament to the dedication of IEC staff at every level, from temporary poll workers to commissioners and senior management.
At the domestic level, the IEC has equally demonstrated courage and consistency in enforcing electoral law. Its recent deregistration of non-compliant political parties is a necessary step in professionalising Lesotho’s political landscape. Five parties were struck off this week alone, following four last week, reducing the excessively bloated list of 65 parties registered in 2022 to a still humungous but possibly more realistic 38.
The Commission has acted firmly, fairly and transparently — even deregistering long-standing entities when required. This assertiveness sends a clear message: compliance is not negotiable, and the integrity of elections is too important to be compromised by organisational laxity.
We must applaud the IEC for this renewed commitment to standards. In a country where political parties often emerge without clear ideology, structure or sustainability, deregistration is not a blow to democracy but a strengthening of it. A streamlined, compliant party landscape is essential for credible elections.
Yet even as we celebrate this historic global recognition, the IEC must also confront a challenge that rankings alone cannot fix: voter apathy.
The Commission’s next great mission is to ensure that Basotho not only admire the quality of elections but actively participate in them. Declining voter turnout over the years threatens the legitimacy of our democracy and the effectiveness of elected governments. For the IEC, this means redoubling efforts toward robust voter education, especially targeting young people, first-time voters, and communities that have grown disengaged from national politics.
The IEC has proven that it can run elections exceptionally well. Now it must ensure that Basotho believe in the power of their vote enough to show up in greater numbers.
Lesotho should celebrate this moment. It reflects the quiet but transformative work being done behind the scenes to professionalise and modernise our democracy. The IEC has lifted the country’s reputation — regionally and globally — and has shown what disciplined, principled public institutions can accomplish.
As the nation looks toward future elections, we do so with renewed confidence that our democratic processes rest in capable hands. With strengthened voter participation, that confidence can grow into a truly vibrant democratic culture.
For now, let us proudly say: well done, IEC — and onward to even greater heights.
We say hats off to you Advocate Mpaiphele Maqutu and your team.
AGOA is not charity, but is critical for Lesotho’s economy