General elections were held in Basutoland in 1960 after a new Constitution was approved by the British authorities in September 1959.[1] The public elected nine District Councils with a total of 162 members on 20 January.[2] The District Councils subsequently elected 40 members of the National Council,[1] with a further 14 members nominated by Moshoeshoe II, 22 members drawn from principal and ward chiefs and four members from among senior government officials.[3]
Voter turnout was very low, with just 35,000 of the 191,000 registered voters taking part in the election.[1] The new National Council was opened on 12 March.[1]
