The LCN executive director Seabata Motsamai  says it is difficult to resoundingly declare the June 3  elections free and fair after the state broadcaster failed to give the country's political parties equal airtime.

Motsamai reiterated that  the state broadcaster refused to broadcast an election debate on May 24, a move that he claimed "could hinder the electorate from making informed decisions when they vote on Saturday".

Meanwhile the elections  this weekend passed calmly except for those looming small groups of  soldiers, who were not expected by the election officials at the polling stations.

One soldier said they were “assisting” the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). But the IEC made it clear that  it was help the commission never asked for.

IEC spokesperson The nation, the voters and even the observers were surprised Tuoe Hantši later told reporters They felt that some voters were intimidated.”

By Sunday, whatever intimidation may have hung in the air the day before seemed to have dissipated.