Lesotho

V

Government

Lesotho’s first constitution came into effect at independence in October 1966, and was suspended in January 1970. The army has been the main political force since 1986, when a military council seized power. Following the return of democratic government in March 1993 a new constitution was promulgated. However, according to a constitutional clause the army was allowed precedence over the government in matters of national security. The constitution provides for a hereditary monarch who is head of state, but who has neither executive nor legislative powers. Executive authority is vested in the Cabinet headed by the prime minister. Legislative power is exercised by a National Assembly, which was increased from 65 to 80 members in the 1998 elections, and a Senate, with 33 members. Elections are currently held every five years by universal adult suffrage, and in the context of a multi-party political system. Following the 1998 elections, the Interim Political Authority (IPA) was charged with reforming the electoral system to ensure representation for smaller parties. The result was a further increase in the number of seats in the National Assembly to 120.

A

Political Parties

The government is formed by the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). Other major parties include the National Independent Party (NIP), the Basotho National Party (BNP), and the Lesotho Workers’ Party (LWP). The All Basotho Convention (ABC), formed in late 2006, has been the third major party since the elections of 2007.

B

Local Government

A College of Chiefs is empowered by traditional law to elect and depose the king by majority vote. Lesotho has 10 administrative districts, subdivided into wards, which are presided over by hereditary chiefs and administered by district coordinators.

C

Health and Welfare

In 2004 there were 18,519 people per doctor and in 2009 the country had an infant mortality rate of 77 deaths per 1,000 live births. Around 9 per cent of government expenditure was spent on health care in 1998. It is estimated that one in three of the population is HIV-positive; in 2005 a programme of testing for the disease was offered to all citizens.

D

International Organizations

Lesotho is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.