Customised Political Parties and Candidates Modular Course for Electoral Stakeholders in Lesotho

Building Capacity for Transparent and Accountable Political Party Management

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho, with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully delivered a customised BRIDGE Political Parties and Candidates Modular Course from 22–25 June 2026 at the Avani Maseru Hotel in Maseru, Lesotho.

The four-day workshop brought together Secretary Generals, Treasurers from political parties registered with the IEC, alongside officials from the Independent Electoral Commission, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), and representatives from Civil Society Organizations. A total of 44 participants attended the programme, comprising 24 men and 20 women, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening democratic governance through inclusive participation. In some sessions the group was divided into two.

The customised BRIDGE course was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of political party governance, campaign finance, financial accountability and the critical role political parties play in promoting credible, transparent and democratic elections. The programme also sought to strengthen compliance with Lesotho’s electoral and political party regulatory framework while encouraging greater transparency in the management of public resources allocated to political parties.

High-Level Opening

The workshop was officially opened by IEC Commissioner Dr. Chelete Monyane, together with representatives of the European Union Delegation to Lesotho and UNDP, namely Ms. Marcella Veneziani and Dr. Taye Amssalu, respectively.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Monyane underscored the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in political party financing. Challenging participants to reflect on their collective responsibility, he posed a thought-provoking question: “As political parties, where are we, and what are we doing?”

His remarks encouraged participants to critically examine how political parties can strengthen internal governance while contributing to democratic consolidation in Lesotho.

Interactive Learning through the BRIDGE Methodology

The workshop was facilitated using the internationally recognised BRIDGE methodology, which emphasises participatory, learner-centred and experience-based learning.

The course was delivered by experienced BRIDGE facilitators, including Accrediting Facilitators Mrs. Rindai Chjipfunde Vava and Mrs. Tomsie Dlamini, Workshop Facilitators Nthallo Letsela, Thato Moeti, Teboho Nalane and Monica Lephahamela, together with newly trained Train-the-Facilitator (TtF) Complete Facilitators Kamohelo Chobokoane, Mamonaheng Ramaema, Doris Lintsi and Matheantoa Selebalo.

Participants engaged in lively discussions, case studies, simulations, group work and practical exercises that encouraged peer learning and the exchange of experiences. The participatory approach enabled attendees to contextualise international democratic principles within Lesotho’s electoral environment and identify practical solutions to challenges affecting political parties.

Key Learning Areas

Throughout the programme, participants explored a range of topics central to strengthening political party administration and electoral integrity, including:

1. The legal and institutional framework governing political parties and elections;
2. Political party income and expenditure management;
3. Public funding and financial accountability;
4. Campaign finance regulation and reporting;
5. Electoral dispute resolution mechanisms;
6. Risks associated with illicit sources of political financing;
7. Transparency, integrity and ethical leadership; and
8. The role of political parties in promoting democratic governance and public trust.

Through facilitated discussions and practical exercises, participants reflected on how these principles could be applied within their respective political parties to strengthen governance systems, improve financial management and enhance compliance with legal requirements.

Investing in Democratic Institutions

The workshop concluded with a certificate award ceremony officiated by the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. John Maphephe.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Maphephe expressed appreciation to the European Union, UNDP, the BRIDGE facilitators and all participants for their commitment throughout the programme. He emphasised that the workshop represented far more than a training event.

“This workshop is not merely a training programme; it is an investment in the future of Lesotho’s democracy.”

He further highlighted that democracy is sustained by values of integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusion and respect for the rule of law. These principles, he noted, should guide political parties not only during election periods but throughout their day-to-day operations and engagement with citizens.

Strengthening National BRIDGE Capacity

An important achievement of the programme was the accreditation of the Train-the-Facilitator (TtF) Complete participants as BRIDGE Workshop Facilitators. This milestone significantly strengthens the national pool of certified BRIDGE facilitators within Lesotho, enhancing the Independent Electoral Commission’s capacity to deliver future electoral education and capacity-building programmes sustainably. The newly accredited facilitators will contribute to expanding local expertise, reducing dependence on external facilitators and ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality BRIDGE programmes tailored to Lesotho’s evolving democratic needs.

Looking Ahead

The customised BRIDGE Political Parties and Candidates Modular Course reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho, the European Union and UNDP to strengthening democratic institutions through professional development and institutional capacity building.

By equipping political party leaders with the knowledge, skills and practical tools required for sound governance and accountable financial management, the programme contributes to building stronger political parties, enhancing public confidence in democratic processes and supporting more credible, inclusive and transparent elections in Lesotho.