Stakeholders divided over proposed electoral reform models

Ithabeleng Qhasho

THE Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Law and Public Safety has heard sharply differing views from stakeholders during public consultations on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, as debate intensifies over the electoral model that should govern future elections in Lesotho.

The consultations have exposed competing proposals, with some stakeholders calling for improvements to the existing Zebra Model, while others are advocating for its replacement with the proposed Best Loser Model in awarding proportional representation (PR) seats in Parliament.

At the same time, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged Parliament to ensure any reforms were guided by evidence, broad public consultation and Lesotho’s constitutional framework.

The IEC has also cautioned lawmakers against rushing to adopt the proposed Best Loser Model, citing international research that points to several challenges associated with the system.

Appearing before the Committee this week, the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) argued that the current Zebra Model should be retained.

TRC Executive Director, Mabela Lehloenya, said the organisation supports the Zebra Model, under which proportional representation (PR) seats are allocated through political party lists. However, she acknowledged that legislative amendments were needed to strengthen the legal framework governing the system and improve its implementation.

“We believe the focus should be on improving the law, rather than abandoning the current model,” Mr Lehloenya told the Committee.

In contrast, Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) endorsed the proposed Best Loser Model, saying it could improve the electoral system, provided it continued to guarantee representation for women, youth and other underrepresented groups.

During the discussions, Committee member, Dr Mahali Phamotse, said political parties must strengthen their internal systems and develop mechanisms that promote the participation of women and young people. She maintained that the Zebra Model remained appropriate, adding that improving representation should begin within political parties themselves.

While Parliament continues gathering public views, the IEC has insisted that its role is to provide objective, technical and evidence-based advice rather than advocate for any political position.

Speaking during a media briefing in Maseru last week, IEC Chairperson, Reverend Dr John Maphephe, said the Commission had accepted Parliament’s invitation to make technical submissions on the proposed legislation.

He said the Commission’s advice would focus on election administration, constituency delimitation where applicable, ballot design, voter education, election technology and election results management.

IEC Commissioner, Dr Chelete Monyane, said the Commission’s research found that countries using electoral systems similar to the proposed Best Loser Model had encountered significant challenges.

According to the Commission, studies conducted in Japan, Germany and Mexico identified concerns including democratic mismatch, gender exclusion and implementation difficulties. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mauritius has also experienced challenges relating to representation and democratic balance under its Best Loser system.

“As the IEC, our responsibility is to provide technical, professional and evidence-based advice. Our research shows that the Best Loser Model has raised a number of concerns in the countries we studied, and these findings will inform the advice we present to Parliament,” Dr Monyane said.

The proposed Best Loser Model, introduced through a Private Member’s Bill by Revolution for Prosperity Makhaleng legislator, Mootsi Lehata, with the support of All Basotho Convention Member of Paliament (PR), Lebohang Hlaele, seeks to replace Lesotho’s current party-list proportional representation system. Under the proposal, compensatory seats would be allocated to the best-performing unsuccessful constituency candidates rather than to candidates nominated through party lists.

The IEC has nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to supporting electoral reforms that strengthen the integrity, credibility and inclusiveness of elections in Lesotho.

The Commission also revealed that it is exploring the possibility of harmonising National Assembly and local government elections to improve electoral efficiency, reduce costs and increase voter turnout. As part of that process, an IEC delegation will observe Zambia’s harmonised general elections later this month to study how the system operates in practice.

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