DAR ES SALAAM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is leading a delegation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to observe the general elections in Lesotho to be held on June 3, authorities said on Wednesday.
Augustine Mahiga, the east African nation's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, was leading the SADC mission to observe the parliamentary elections in the tiny southern African country, said a statement by the ministry.
The statement said Mahiga was representing President John Magufuli who is the chairman of the SADC's Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation.
The statement said Mahiga has urged public and religious institutions in Lesotho to protect and maintain peace and security during and after the elections.
"It's high time the SADC participated in observing this election with expectations to bring hope to the public about the fate of their leadership," the statement quoted the minister as saying.
In Lesotho, Mahiga and his team have met various stakeholders including the Independent Elections Commission and the Union of Churches to get in-depth opinion before the official launch of the SADC Elections Observers Mission (SEOM).
Mahiga met his Lesotho counterpart, Mampono Khaketla, and recommended Lesotho for maintaining security and peace to its citizens.
"We are hopeful that this year's election will yield better fruits for the development of this country," said Mahiga.
SADC is observing the Lesotho elections for the the third time. The elections held after five years will be participated by 26 out of 30 registered political parties.
