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

 

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT (ARMS OF STATE)

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament comprising the Senate and the National Assembly. The Senate consists of 33 members, including 22 principal and ward chiefs and 11 members nominated by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The National Assembly comprises 120 members, elected through a Mixed Member Proportional system.

The Judiciary operates under a dual legal system recognising Roman-Dutch law and Sesotho customary law. Executive authority is vested in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the King.

 

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

The national Flag

The national flag of Lesotho features blue, white, and green horizontal bands with a black Basotho hat at its centre, symbolising rain, peace, fertility, and the Basotho people.

 

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms displays a crocodile-emblazoned shield, flanked by Basotho ponies, with crossed traditional weapons signifying protection. Beneath it appears the national motto: Khotso, Pula, Nala — Peace, Rain, Prosperity.

 

National Anthem

The national anthem, Lesōthō Fatše La Bo Ntat’a Rōna, reflects both European musical origins and African adaptation, with lyrics refined by the renowned composer Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa and formally adopted in 1967.

The Anthem

Lesotho Fatše la bo-ntat’a rona

Har’a mafatše le letle ke lona

Ke moo re hlahileng

Ke moo re holileng

Rea le rata

 

Molimo ak’u boloke Lesotho

U felise lintoa le matšoenyeho

Oho fatše lena

La bo-ntat’a rona

Le be le khotso