Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MASERU272
2009-08-06 15:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:
ELECTION DISPUTE: PARTIES SET AGENDA TO GUIDE LOCAL TALKS
how-toVZCZCXRO6457 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN DE RUEHMR #0272 2181502 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 061502Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4309 INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 4738
UNCLAS MASERU 000272
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/S AND INR/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV LT
SUBJECT: ELECTION DISPUTE: PARTIES SET AGENDA TO GUIDE LOCAL TALKS
REF: MASERU 269
UNCLAS MASERU 000272
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/S AND INR/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV LT
SUBJECT: ELECTION DISPUTE: PARTIES SET AGENDA TO GUIDE LOCAL TALKS
REF: MASERU 269
1. Representatives of all political parties and the Independent
Election Committee met on August 5 to begin talks around
contentious issues related to the 2007 elections. In a meeting
hosted at the local UNDP offices, the stakeholders agreed to
accept retired local Anglican Bishop Phillip Mokuku as mediator.
The stakeholders also agreed not to talk to the media about the
discussions, but some sources indicate that there was a spirited
debate over the agenda, with the governing Lesotho Congress for
Democracy (LCD) initially refusing to allow a reallocation of
proportional representation seats to be included. However, the
final agenda apparently includes this issue, as well as that of
formally declaring an opposition leader in parliament.
2. Neither the Prime Minister, head of the LCD, nor Tom
Thabane, head of the All Basotho Convention (ABC),the largest
opposition party, was present for yesterday's talks. Post
contacts speculate that Thabane's absence indicates his pique
over the Prime Minister's lack of participation. The LCD was
represented by the Deputy Prime Minister and five other
ministers, while the party's deputy chair represented the ABC.
All other political party leaders were present.
3. The group of stakeholders will meet again on Wednesday,
August 12, and post will continue to report on developments.
POWER
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/S AND INR/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV LT
SUBJECT: ELECTION DISPUTE: PARTIES SET AGENDA TO GUIDE LOCAL TALKS
REF: MASERU 269
1. Representatives of all political parties and the Independent
Election Committee met on August 5 to begin talks around
contentious issues related to the 2007 elections. In a meeting
hosted at the local UNDP offices, the stakeholders agreed to
accept retired local Anglican Bishop Phillip Mokuku as mediator.
The stakeholders also agreed not to talk to the media about the
discussions, but some sources indicate that there was a spirited
debate over the agenda, with the governing Lesotho Congress for
Democracy (LCD) initially refusing to allow a reallocation of
proportional representation seats to be included. However, the
final agenda apparently includes this issue, as well as that of
formally declaring an opposition leader in parliament.
2. Neither the Prime Minister, head of the LCD, nor Tom
Thabane, head of the All Basotho Convention (ABC),the largest
opposition party, was present for yesterday's talks. Post
contacts speculate that Thabane's absence indicates his pique
over the Prime Minister's lack of participation. The LCD was
represented by the Deputy Prime Minister and five other
ministers, while the party's deputy chair represented the ABC.
All other political party leaders were present.
3. The group of stakeholders will meet again on Wednesday,
August 12, and post will continue to report on developments.
POWER