SIRD tackles electoral violence ahead of 2028 elections

Moroke Sekoboto

THE Strategic Institute for Research and Dialogue (SIRD) has stepped up efforts to prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Electoral violence refers to any form of harm, intimidation, or coercion that happens before, during, or after elections, with the aim of influencing the outcome or disrupting the democratic process.

The organisation held a high-level workshop on Thursday in Thaba Bosiu, bringing together government officials, civil society groups, academics and international partners to discuss ways to strengthen democracy and ensure peaceful elections.

Held under the theme “Deepening Democracy in Lesotho: Preventing Violence Related to the 2028 General Election”, the workshop focused on the causes of election-related conflict and how to address them.

The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2028.

SIRD director, Dr Khabele Matlosa, warned of growing risks to democracy in Lesotho and across the region. He said these included voter apathy, declining public trust in institutions, and the growing number of political parties.

“We are witnessing democracy fatigue, which shows through low voter turnout and declining trust in institutions,” Dr Matlosa said.

He said Lesotho had seen as many as 60 parties contest elections, with 139 registered since 1993, a situation he said can lead to unstable coalition governments and conflict.

Dr Matlosa also raised concern over the manipulation of constitutions by leaders in some African countries to stay in power.

“To ensure peaceful elections in 2028, we must build strong systems for peace,” he said.

He added that SIRD was documenting the experiences of victims of political violence to promote reconciliation and accountability.

Dr Matlosa said Lesotho’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system helped manage political conflict, but needed stronger internal democracy within parties to work effectively.

He also called for improved civic and peace education, and a review of public funding for political parties to prevent abuse.

The Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) executive director, Sekonyela Mapetja, said the workshop was part of broader efforts to support the entire electoral cycle.

He said SIRD and its partners – including the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL), Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD), National University of Lesotho (NUL), Development for Peace Education (DPE), Policy Engagement Action for Civic Education (PEACE), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) – were working together to promote peaceful elections.

Mr Mapetja said key priorities included early warning systems to detect and prevent conflict, strengthening public trust in institutions, and ensuring inclusive participation.

“We want to prevent election violence before it starts by putting in place early warning systems.

“We are also working to build trust in institutions like the IEC and ensure that women, youth and people with disabilities fully participate in the 2028 elections,” Mr Mapetja said.

One of IEC commissioners, Dr Chelete Monyane, said trust and honesty were essential for a healthy democracy.

He stressed the importance of working with community organisations, the media and security agencies to maintain peace.

“The IEC must provide a platform for dialogue so that political tensions can be addressed early before they turn into conflict,” Dr Monyane said.

The PEACE director, Dr Fako Likoti, highlighted the need for reforms in political party funding.

He said transparent funding systems were key to preventing corruption and political instability.

Dr Likoti warned that weak regulation allows hidden interests to influence politics, which can lead to corruption and conflict.

He also noted that limited economic opportunities in Lesotho made political positions highly contested, especially within parties competing for proportional representation (PR) seats.

This, he said, often fuelled internal party conflicts and instability.

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