Commonwealth observers call for violence-free polls in Lesotho

Addressing journalists at an arrival press conference in Maseru, the country's capital, on 21 May 2012, the leader of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former Malawi President Dr Bakili Muluzi, said that it is imperative that the electoral process is "transparent, fair, violence-free and credible”.

"There is no room for violence and intimidation during elections. Everyone should commit themselves to peaceful conduct," he said. 

The former President said that the Commonwealth attaches great importance to the conduct of credible and peaceful elections as a means of giving citizens an opportunity to choose their leaders.

"We are here because we firmly believe that observing elections contributes to strengthening the democratic process," Dr Muluzi said.

>> Dr Muluzi’s statement in full.