A supporter of Lesotho Revolution for Prosperity party (RFP) leader Sam Matekane waves a party flag from the window of a vehicle in Maseru, on October 8, 2022. – Surrounded entirely by South Africa, Lesotho is a mountain nation of two million people nicknamed the “Kingdom in the Sky.” It has been buffeted by coups and attempted coups since independence from Britain in 1966, and nearly a third of its population live on less than $1.90 a day. Photo: MARCO LONGARI / AFP.
Lesotho millionaire Sam Matekane wins vote but no majority
Revolution for Prosperity, set up only six months ago by Lesotho businessman Sam Matekane, 64, won 56 out of 120 seats in parliament.
A supporter of Lesotho Revolution for Prosperity party (RFP) leader Sam Matekane waves a party flag from the window of a vehicle in Maseru, on October 8, 2022. – Surrounded entirely by South Africa, Lesotho is a mountain nation of two million people nicknamed the “Kingdom in the Sky.” It has been buffeted by coups and attempted coups since independence from Britain in 1966, and nearly a third of its population live on less than $1.90 a day. Photo: MARCO LONGARI / AFP.
A millionaire political novice won the most votes in legislative elections in Lesotho but fell short of securing a parliamentary majority that could have ended long-running political gridlock, officials said on Monday.
Revolution for Prosperity, a party set up only six months ago by businessman Sam Matekane, 64, won 56 out of 120 seats in parliament, according to final results published by the southern African country’s electoral commission.
The small mountain kingdom has been governed for the past decade by a string of coalition governments that have proved fractious and frail, and no premier has served out a full five-year term.
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Matekane, who styles himself as a champion of the country’s business community and was considered an outsider in the vote, came close to an outright win but will now have to secure the support of smaller parties to form a government.
The Democratic Congress party led by Mathibeli Mokhothu came in second securing 29 lawmakers, according to the Independent Electoral Commission.
The All Basotho Convention party, which led the outgoing government, suffered a sharp drop in support, securing only eight seats.
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Richest man in Lesotho?
Believed to be Lesotho’s richest man, Matekane started off raising donkeys before making a fortune in diamond mining and other business ventures.
Lesotho, which is completely surrounded by South Africa, ranks among the world’s poorest countries, with more than 30 percent of its population living on less than $1.90 a day.
A constitutional monarchy where the king has no formal power, Lesotho has long been beset by political turmoil that has hampered development.
© Agence France-Presse
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