Sylvia
Lesotho’s Modern Political History
At independence in 1966, Chief Sekhonyana ’Maseribane briefly served as Lesotho’s first Prime Minister before handing over leadership to Chief Leabua Jonathan, who governed from 1965 until 1970. Following electoral defeat in 1970, Jonathan declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution, and ruled until 1986.
In that year, a military coup led by Major General Metsing Lekhanya ushered in a new era of military governance. His administration signed the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Treaty with South Africa, enabling the construction of Katse and Mohale dams. Political activity was banned under Order No. 4, and tensions between the military government and the monarchy culminated in the exile of King Moshoeshoe II.
Major General Lekhanya was removed in a bloodless coup in 1991 by Colonel Elias Phisoane Ramaema, whose government restored political freedoms and facilitated Lesotho’s return to democratic rule. Elections held in 1993 resulted in victory for the Basutoland Congress Party under Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle.
Subsequent political realignments led to the formation of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy and later ushered in an era of coalition politics following the introduction of the Mixed Member Proportional electoral system. Since 2012, coalition governments have defined Lesotho’s political landscape, bringing both inclusivity and instability, with frequent elections and shifting alliances shaping governance into the present era.
HEADS OF GOVERNMENT SINCE INDEPENDENCE
Sekhonyana ‘Maseribane 1965
Chief Leabua Jonathan 1966-1986
Major General Metsing Lekhanya 1986-1991
Major General Phisoana Ramaema 1991-1993
Ntsu Mokhehle 1993-1998
Pakalitha Mosisili 1998-2012
Motsoahae Thomas Thabane 2012-2015
Pakalitha Mosisili 2015-2017
Motsoahae Thomas Thabane 2017-2020
Dr. Moeketsi Majoro 2020 – 2022
Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane 2022 to date
