By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has registered 375 900 voters as of January 5 on its ongoing re-registration drive.
This is in light of the Commission’s ongoing re-registration campaign that commenced last year, aimed at updating voters’ roll.
Of the registered 375,900 electors, IEC has reported that 370,895 were registered through devices and 5,005 via the online portal.
In November last year, the Commission stated that it aims to enhance youth participation in the electoral process and was supported by the European Union, the support which saw the engagement of two civic society organisations, Bacha Re Bacha and the Development for Peace Education.
This collaboration which commenced on December 2, is set to run until March 31st.
Maseru is leading with 97,480 electors. It is followed by Leribe with a total of 62,977 electors, and in third position is Berea district with 46,057 eligible.
Mohale’s Hoek is in the fourth position having recorded 32,088 voters followed by Mafeteng with 29,344 electors. Thaba-Tseka has registered 26,969 and is followed by Botha-Bothe district with 26,113 voters registered.
Quthing has registered 22,102 electors and it is followed by Qacha’s Nek which has a total of 13,500 electors and the last one being Mokhotlong with 19,270 electors.
Lesotho has experienced a decline in voter turnout in the past two general elections. In the 2022 general elections, the voter turnout declined reaching 37.71%, a drop from previous elections, where turnout stood at 51.86% in 2012, 46.61% in 2015, and 46.37% in 2017.
IEC public relations manager, Tuoe Hantši has called on all the eligible voters to register.
He said by the next elections, which are scheduled for 2027 the Commission aims to have registered at least 75% – 80% of the eligible voters.