Lesotho heads to the polls - 12th October 2022

Lesotho in southern Africa, one of the world's poorest nations, prepared to go to the polls on 7th October. With over 30 percent of its people surviving on a mere $1.90 a day, it's no doubt change and economic growth were central to these elections.

Soaring unemployment amongst the youth and mounting allegations of government corruption are at the heart of people's concerns.

Teboho Sekese: "We have corruption, our economy is down. So we are hoping that the new government that's going to come is going to make sure that our economy improves. So that a lot of youth that is unemployed gets to be employed."

Tumo Tsanyane: "Tomorrow I'm voting. And I'm voting for a political party that will definitely take the country to the highest form of order and the highest form of economic efficiency."

Having endured a decade of successive unstable coalition governments, with none of the leaders winning a clear majority or honouring their full term in office, many of Lesotho's two million people are left reluctant to vote.

Dineo Moketsie: "[For me, I just feel that it's] the waste of time. [Because during that time I could be doing] something much better, [rather than going to vote and helping people to positions and then after that they do nothing for us in our country. I won't and not willing to vote.]"

First time runner and millionaire businessman Sam Matekane hopes to inspire change in people with his new, 6 month old 'Revolution for Prosperity' party (RFP). Nevertheless, the electorate are focused on improving their current conditions.

Rabasotho Mpakoba: "So, we are expecting that the new government that could come over, can be able to look, really. And they can able to be - take care of our people also."

Of the 120 parliamentary seats, 80 are elected by first past the post and 40 by proportional representation.

RFP supporters took to the streets in celebration of the new party's huge majority in early results, while party leader Sam Matekane expressed his gratitude to those who came out to vote.

Sam Matekane: "Our young people, I want to thank you for making choice and showing that you are the people who want to take responsibility. By going to vote, you showed that you are the largest part of the nation, that were seen voting."