Lesotho general election, 1970

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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 the 1970 Lesotho 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]

The country was not returned to democratic rule until the 1993 elections, which were again won by the BCP.

Results

Party Votes % Seats +/–
Basutoland Congress Party151,88349.836+11
Basotholand National Party104,53742.223–8
Marematlou Freedom Party12,6667.31–3
United Democratic Party6680.20New
Independents8610.300
Invalid/blank votes6,435
Total305,033100600
Source: Nohlen et al.

References

  1. Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p502 ISBN 0-19-829645-2
  2. 1 2 Lesotho: Authoritarian rule, 1970-1991 EISA
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