Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph and Apoorva Sudhakar
Lesotho: Newly formed party wins legislative election
On 10 October, the electoral commission of Lesotho published the final results of the parliamentary elections which said the Revolution for Prosperity, a new political party, set up six months ago by a millionaire businessman Sam Matekane won the elections. The party secured 56 out of 120 seats but fell short of securing a parliamentary majority. For a decade, Lesotho’s politics have been marred by coup attempts, inflighting within political parties and defection which has often led to fragile coalitions. (“Political rookie’s new party wins Lesotho vote but no majority,” Al Jazeera, 10 October 2022)
Chad: Opposition criticises Deby's appointment as President
On 10 October, General Mahamat Deby was sworn in as the president after a new 24-month transition period was approved in a national dialogue with various rebel groups. Deby would remain in power until October 2024 and will also contest the next elections. The dialogue faced several challenges including a boycott by opposition parties and rebels. The deputy leader of opposition party Les Transformateurs, threatening to establish a parallel government, said Deby's role as president was a case of democratic regression. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke resigned from his position as Deby is expected to appoint someone new for the position. (“Chad appoints opposition leader, Kebzabo, as new PM,” Africanews, 10 October 2022)