1970 Lesotho general election
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General elections were held in Lesotho on 27 and 28 January 1970, the first since independence in 1966. They were won by the opposition Basutoland Congress Party,[1] but without announcing the results, the ruling Basotholand National Party carried out a coup d'état by declaring a state of emergency, annulling the election, dissolving parliament and suspending the constitution.[2] King Moshoeshoe II was sent into exile after expressing disapproval of the actions.[2]
Leabua Jonathan then dictated the country until 1986 when a military coup d'état led by Major General Justin Lekhanya deposed him. Lesotho was not returned to democratic rule until the 1993 elections, which were again won by the BCP in a landslide victory.
Results
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basutoland Congress Party | 151,883 | 49.8 | 36 | +11 |
| Basotholand National Party | 104,537 | 42.2 | 23 | –8 |
| Marematlou Freedom Party | 12,666 | 7.3 | 1 | –3 |
| United Democratic Party | 668 | 0.2 | 0 | New |
| Independents | 861 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 6,435 | – | – | – |
| Total | 305,033 | 100 | 60 | 0 |
| Source: Nohlen et al. | ||||
References
- ^ Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p502 ISBN 0-19-829645-2
- ^ a b Lesotho: Authoritarian rule, 1970-1991 EISA
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