As part of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) activities to prepare for the year 2023 Local Government elections, the phase I of voter education is reported to be continuing in all six councils of Quthing district. In an interview with the agency, IEC District Voter Educator Mrs. Mathapelo Malela said voter education is carried out to impart a specific set of values that are essential for democratic citizenship and among others trust in democratic process and respect for the rule of law.

She said voter education also encourages responsible and informed political participation. Mrs. Malela said the phase I elections process activities include, checking and verification of names on voters lists that are currently displayed at registration centres, removal of deceased from the lists and transfers. In response to a question in which voters are expected to transfer during the election process, Mrs. Malela said only voters that have changed their residential place due to employment and other reasons could transfer to vote at their current place of residence.

She added that one is expected to present a letter from the chief to process transfers to avoid cases where people vote where they do not reside.  Mrs. Malela said other elections process phases to follow include Registration of Voters who will be 18 years on Local Government Elections Day and it will continue after official announcement on election day.

She encouraged the community to attend voter education awareness campaigns to be informed with procedures to follow so that they can exercise their right to vote.  She said Basotho who have reached 18 years and have not registered with IEC should go to the centres and get registered as failure to do so is an offence.

 
Quthing district has 20 voter educators that cover 149 registration centres. The registration centres are in six councils namely, Ts’itsong locally known as Mphaki, Telle, Tosing, Qomoqomong and Mjanyane community councils, and Quthing Urban council. National Local Government Elections was lastly held in 2017.