Lesotho votes for change

Lesotho's in southern Africa. It's one of the world's poorest countries, but people there want the situation to improve. This was very clear in the country's recent elections on 7th October.

Many young people are unemployed and people aren't satisfied with the government. They want change.

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."

Lesotho has experienced 10 years of bad governments, none of them received big support, and they changed very often.

People don't trust the government anymore. Some don't see the value in voting.

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.]"

Local millionaire businessman Sam Matekane hopes to encourage people to vote. He's started a new party named 'Revolution for Prosperity' (RFP).

Voters want someone to change the situation.

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."

There are 120 seats in Lesotho's parliament, and Matekane's won a majority of the seats, which means his RFP party will form the next government.

People who were pleased with this result celebrated. Matekane thanked the young people who voted for him.

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." Weniger anzeigen