Secretary-General Encourages Basotho Leaders Work Together to Ensure Environment Conducive for Peaceful, Credible Elections in Kingdom of Lesotho

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today:

The Secretary-General notes the recent announcement by His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho that national elections will be held on 28 February 2015.

The Secretary-General welcomes the progress achieved so far in the efforts to uphold democratic principles and secure the restoration of political stability and security in the Kingdom.  He encourages all Basotho leaders to comply with the Maseru Facilitation Declaration and work together in a spirit of compromise to ensure an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections.

The Secretary-General commends the leadership shown by the Southern African Development Community in facilitating an agreed way forward and a return to political normalcy.  He reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the efforts of the Government and the people of Lesotho to consolidate peace in the Kingdom.