The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has convened a two-day workshop in Maseru aimed at strengthening civic and voter education and promoting inclusive participation in Lesotho’s political system.
Speaking at the event, Programme Manager for Africa and West Asia Regional Programmes, Manteboheleng Mabetha, said the meeting provides a roundtable platform for key stakeholders to share views and propose ways to improve civic and voter education in the country.
She explained that the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organisation mandated to advance democracy globally. In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International IDEA is implementing a European Union-funded project focused on strengthening democratic participation and electoral administration in Lesotho.
“The overall objective is to enhance participation and inclusion in the political system in Lesotho and strengthen the administration of elections,” said Ms Mabetha.
She also said the initiative prioritises increased participation among women, youth, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ communities and other vulnerable groups, while promoting transparency and accountability in politics. It also aims to improve media monitoring and reporting during elections.
Ms Mabetha further indicated that future plans include revising the national curriculum to integrate civic education in primary, secondary and special education schools, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training. Developing and implementing a comprehensive civic and voter education strategy remains a key focus of the workshop.
The project will also involve collaboration with civil society organisations, vulnerable groups and registered political parties to strengthen democratic participation through dialogue and capacity-building, including promoting inclusive intra-party democracy.
IEC Commissioner, Dr Chelete Monyane, said the initiative is intended to enhance democratic participation and inclusivity in Lesotho. He noted ongoing challenges of democratic disengagement, reflected in declining voter turnout in recent elections.
Dr Monyane said the workshop provides a critical platform for stakeholders to collaborate, identify gaps and explore opportunities to improve civic and voter education. The discussions, he added, will inform the development of a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing citizen engagement.
Meanwhile, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation, Marcella Veneziani, said the initiative seeks to empower citizens, regardless of age or background, to actively shape the country’s future.
She emphasised that civic and voter education is essential in combating misinformation, strengthening accountability and ensuring that women and young people participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
“This is not only about elections but about building a culture of participation,” she said.
Ms Veneziani added that the programme reflects the European Union’s commitment to inclusive governance and ensuring that no one is left behind. She stressed the importance of incorporating youth voices in decision-making, noting challenges such as unemployment that continue to affect young people.
She also highlighted that lessons from global best practices will be used to strengthen civic education efforts in Lesotho.
