Roadmap for Lesotho’s future elections – EU Electoral Follow-up Mission Final Report Published
As Lesotho looks toward the next general elections anticipated for 2027/2028, the European Union is pleased to announce the publication of the Final Report of the Electoral Follow‑Up Mission (EFM) to Lesotho. The report is now publicly accessible on the EU Database on Election Missions. The Electoral Follow-Up Mission operates independently of the EU Delegation and all other EU institutions.
The Final Report has been formally shared with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, as well as the National Assembly, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and other national stakeholders in electoral governance. The report provides a comprehensive evaluation of progress achieved since 2022, offers recommendations grounded in international best practices and a consolidated EU methodology.
The EFM, led by Chief of Mission Mr. Andreas Schieder, Member of the European Parliament, assessed progress in implementing the 21 recommendations contained in the Final Report of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) deployed at the request of the Lesotho authorities to observe the 2022 National Assembly elections.
During the visit, the team of independent experts engaged in high-level discussions with the Lesotho Government, the IEC, local civil society organisations, and stakeholders in electoral governance to assess progress on the 2022 Election Observation Mission recommendations. These consultations, which included a roundtable on electoral reform and a final media briefing, evaluated how ongoing constitutional and institutional reforms can best strengthen the integrity and transparency of future elections and a stronger democratic process.
“The strength of a nation’s democracy is found in the openness of its processes and the inclusion of its people. True democratic resilience is nurtured through the twin pillars of transparency and active participation,” says Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Lesotho, Ambassador Mette Sunnergren, “It is our sincere hope that these expert insights provide a meaningful resource for Lesotho, from government leadership to the heart of civil society, to further cultivate a democratic system that is as resilient as it is inclusive, walking together toward a stable and prosperous future of equitable, vibrant democracy.”
This comes as Lesotho advances its Inclusive Lesotho goals for sustainable, equitable development through strengthened democratic institutions.
The European Union remains committed to supporting the evidence-based insights and practical steps they offer toward strengthening Lesotho’s democratic institutions. We invite you to share this update with your audience, particularly as it aligns with the nation’s broader 'Inclusive Lesotho' vision for equitable development and resilient governance. For further details, media representatives are encouraged to consult the full report via the links below:
About Inclusive Lesotho
The European Union’s commitment to a stable and participatory democracy in Lesotho led by Inclusive Lesotho, a €4 million (LSL 85 million) project funded under the Global Europe instrument. It is designed to strengthen the nation’s democracy by modernising electoral systems, boosting the political representation of women and persons with disabilities, and re-engaging citizens through nationwide civic education to ensure every Mosotho has a meaningful voice in the 2027/2028 elections.
Running from 2025 to 2028, this initiative aims to address the priority recommendations of the 2022 EU Election Observation Mission by tackling structural barriers such as low voter turnout, an outdated voter registry, and the under-representation of women and persons with disabilities. Implemented in partnership with International IDEA, UNDP, and the IEC, the project aligns with Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan II to enhance electoral integrity, modernise registration systems, and foster transparent campaign financing. By integrating civic education into school curricula and supporting targeted outreach to underserved communities, Inclusive Lesotho aims to restore public trust and build a more resilient, inclusive democratic system for all Basotho.
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