All Article Properties:
{
"access_control": false,
"status": "publish",
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "1424656",
"signature": "Article:1424656",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-09-scenes-from-maseru-as-residents-cast-their-votes/",
"shorturl": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/1424656",
"slug": "scenes-from-maseru-as-residents-cast-their-votes",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 0,
"preview_limit": null,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"title": "Scenes from Maseru as residents cast their votes",
"firstPublished": "2022-10-09 20:41:53",
"lastUpdate": "2022-10-10 01:14:30",
"categories": [
{
"id": "3",
"name": "Africa",
"signature": "Category:3",
"slug": "africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": false
},
{
"id": "29",
"name": "South Africa",
"signature": "Category:29",
"slug": "south-africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/south-africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
},
{
"id": "387188",
"name": "Maverick News",
"signature": "Category:387188",
"slug": "maverick-news",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/maverick-news/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
}
],
"content_length": 4990,
"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All was peace and calm on voting day in Lesotho on Friday, 7 October and no incidents were reported. People around Maseru are hopeful and optimistic that change will come to Lesotho. From wealthy businessmen to street vendors, many are in favour of businessman turned politician Sam Matekane, leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), who promised his supporters a better Lesotho.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424376\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9652.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru election\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> RFP supporters sing and dance outside the Mpilo Hotel in Maseru while they wait to be addressed by their leader a day after voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424374\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9180.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru matekane\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> An RFP supporter shouts from a taxi window while he and others make their way to listen to an address by their leader Sam Matekane. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-09-wealthy-lesotho-businessman-sam-matekane-heads-for-landslide-election-victory/_dsc9766/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1424378\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424378\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9766.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru elections\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> Lesotho’s RFP leader Sam Matekane shakes hands with a party member after the announcement that his party was on track to win a majority in parliament. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424427\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9238.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official, watched by party agents, holds a valid ballot as it is being tallied at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424372\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9120.jpg\" alt=\"maseru voting ballots\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official shows an empty ballot box as the counting process is about to begin at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc9163/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424373\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9163.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> A polling station official walks with a valid ballot as its being counted at a voting station at the Life High School in Maseru after the closure of voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424370\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9088.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Observer Raeesah Cassim Cachalia (right), in conversation with an IEC official (middle) and a fellow observer (left), photographed through the window of a polling station at the Life High School in Maseru. The voting in Lesotho went ahead without any incidents. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc8752-2/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424364\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8752.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> A woman receives her ballot paper before voting at a school in Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc9761/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424377\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9761.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> Businessman-cum-politician Sam Matekane (partially in frame, to the left), leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), stands in front of a crowd of supporters. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Said a woman rushing out of the polling station as she briefly described some of the issues they faced:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Life is very difficult in Lesotho. There are no jobs, even for people who are educated… there are no jobs.” She was, however, optimistic and concluded, “I believe there’s going to be a very big change in the country in respect to the whole situation… in Lesotho. So I really believe there’s going to be a change with the vote that I have done. The government I have chosen.”</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424369\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9005.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A baby goat stares into the camera in Koro Koro, outside Maseru, on voting day, while three people look on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424368\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8991.jpg\" alt=\"voting day lesotho\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A young Basotho woman draped in a Sotho scarf poses for a portrait next to her goat in Koro Koro, outside Maseru on voting day. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As results started trickling in after voting day, Matekane’s party had already claimed several constituencies, prompting his supporters and party members to take to the streets of Maseru, driving around the city in convoy with hooters blaring and music playing over loudspeakers. Several supporters sang and danced while traffic was blocked off. They were addressed by their leader shortly afterwards who said that with the elections over, it was time to deliver on promises: “It’s the beginning of a new journey that we have to take for the next five years, it is our commitment.”</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424366\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8853.jpg\" alt=\"voting count maseru\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A Lesotho IEC official watches as the counting of votes begins at Life High School In Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the final results are yet to be announced, residents who supported the RFP claimed it would be the next ruling party in Lesotho.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Sunday afternoon, </span><a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/lesothos-new-party-set-election-win-early-results-show-2022-10-09/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reuters reported the RFP</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was set to win as with votes from 49 of 80 constituencies in, RFP had “already secured 41 seats, the minimum required to reach a simple majority.”</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424365\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8763.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting registration\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Party agents go through a list of registered voters on voting day at a school in Maseru while an elderly woman looks on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1424367\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8951.jpg\" alt=\"maseru vote count\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official at the Life High School in Maseru shows party agents the proof of the validity of a ballot before counting procedures for the vote begin. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Said a supporter in attendance, “I am so excited because the numbers from the constituency are promising that the government is already on the side of RFP because the majority of young people were not interested in the political things here. Because this previous government didn’t work for young people and the entire country… we believe great things are going to happen through Mr Matekane.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the RFP continued to celebrate, despite the official announcement of the final results not yet made, the Basotho Poverty Solutions Party leader Lephoto Thamae said he found the elections unfair: “It was very unfair, to be honest.” He said his party’s logo was not on the ballot papers, forcing his supporters to vote for another party. He indicated that he would approach the courts on the matter. </span><b>DM</b>",
"teaser": "Scenes from Maseru as residents cast their votes",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "53200",
"name": "Shiraaz Mohamed",
"image": "",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/author/shiraazmohammed/",
"editorialName": "shiraazmohammed",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "4531",
"name": "Lesotho",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/lesotho/",
"slug": "lesotho",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Lesotho",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "11695",
"name": "PETER FABRICIUS",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/peter-fabricius/",
"slug": "peter-fabricius",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "PETER FABRICIUS",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "52823",
"name": "Shiraaz Mohamed",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/shiraaz-mohamed/",
"slug": "shiraaz-mohamed",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Shiraaz Mohamed",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "55356",
"name": "Maseru",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/maseru/",
"slug": "maseru",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Maseru",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "387487",
"name": "Sam Matekane",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sam-matekane/",
"slug": "sam-matekane",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Sam Matekane",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "387582",
"name": "Revolution for Prosperity party",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/revolution-for-prosperity-party/",
"slug": "revolution-for-prosperity-party",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Revolution for Prosperity party",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "387583",
"name": "Basotho Poverty Solution Party",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/basotho-poverty-solution-party/",
"slug": "basotho-poverty-solution-party",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Basotho Poverty Solution Party",
"translations": null
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "6099",
"name": "A polling station official at the Life High School in Maseru shows party agents the proof of validity of a ballot before the start of counting procedures for the vote. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All was peace and calm on voting day in Lesotho on Friday, 7 October and no incidents were reported. People around Maseru are hopeful and optimistic that change will come to Lesotho. From wealthy businessmen to street vendors, many are in favour of businessman turned politician Sam Matekane, leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), who promised his supporters a better Lesotho.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424376\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424376\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9652.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru election\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> RFP supporters sing and dance outside the Mpilo Hotel in Maseru while they wait to be addressed by their leader a day after voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424374\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424374\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9180.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru matekane\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> An RFP supporter shouts from a taxi window while he and others make their way to listen to an address by their leader Sam Matekane. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424378\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-09-wealthy-lesotho-businessman-sam-matekane-heads-for-landslide-election-victory/_dsc9766/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1424378\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424378\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9766.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho maseru elections\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> Lesotho’s RFP leader Sam Matekane shakes hands with a party member after the announcement that his party was on track to win a majority in parliament. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424427\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424427\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9238.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official, watched by party agents, holds a valid ballot as it is being tallied at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424372\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424372\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9120.jpg\" alt=\"maseru voting ballots\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official shows an empty ballot box as the counting process is about to begin at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424373\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc9163/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424373\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9163.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> A polling station official walks with a valid ballot as its being counted at a voting station at the Life High School in Maseru after the closure of voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424370\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424370\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9088.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Observer Raeesah Cassim Cachalia (right), in conversation with an IEC official (middle) and a fellow observer (left), photographed through the window of a polling station at the Life High School in Maseru. The voting in Lesotho went ahead without any incidents. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424364\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc8752-2/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424364\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8752.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> A woman receives her ballot paper before voting at a school in Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/_dsc9761/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424377\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9761.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /></a> Businessman-cum-politician Sam Matekane (partially in frame, to the left), leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), stands in front of a crowd of supporters. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Said a woman rushing out of the polling station as she briefly described some of the issues they faced:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Life is very difficult in Lesotho. There are no jobs, even for people who are educated… there are no jobs.” She was, however, optimistic and concluded, “I believe there’s going to be a very big change in the country in respect to the whole situation… in Lesotho. So I really believe there’s going to be a change with the vote that I have done. The government I have chosen.”</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424369\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424369\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9005.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A baby goat stares into the camera in Koro Koro, outside Maseru, on voting day, while three people look on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424368\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424368\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8991.jpg\" alt=\"voting day lesotho\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A young Basotho woman draped in a Sotho scarf poses for a portrait next to her goat in Koro Koro, outside Maseru on voting day. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As results started trickling in after voting day, Matekane’s party had already claimed several constituencies, prompting his supporters and party members to take to the streets of Maseru, driving around the city in convoy with hooters blaring and music playing over loudspeakers. Several supporters sang and danced while traffic was blocked off. They were addressed by their leader shortly afterwards who said that with the elections over, it was time to deliver on promises: “It’s the beginning of a new journey that we have to take for the next five years, it is our commitment.”</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424366\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424366\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8853.jpg\" alt=\"voting count maseru\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A Lesotho IEC official watches as the counting of votes begins at Life High School In Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the final results are yet to be announced, residents who supported the RFP claimed it would be the next ruling party in Lesotho.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Sunday afternoon, </span><a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/lesothos-new-party-set-election-win-early-results-show-2022-10-09/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reuters reported the RFP</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was set to win as with votes from 49 of 80 constituencies in, RFP had “already secured 41 seats, the minimum required to reach a simple majority.”</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424365\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424365\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8763.jpg\" alt=\"lesotho voting registration\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Party agents go through a list of registered voters on voting day at a school in Maseru while an elderly woman looks on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1424367\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1424367\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC8951.jpg\" alt=\"maseru vote count\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> A polling station official at the Life High School in Maseru shows party agents the proof of the validity of a ballot before counting procedures for the vote begin. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Said a supporter in attendance, “I am so excited because the numbers from the constituency are promising that the government is already on the side of RFP because the majority of young people were not interested in the political things here. Because this previous government didn’t work for young people and the entire country… we believe great things are going to happen through Mr Matekane.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the RFP continued to celebrate, despite the official announcement of the final results not yet made, the Basotho Poverty Solutions Party leader Lephoto Thamae said he found the elections unfair: “It was very unfair, to be honest.” He said his party’s logo was not on the ballot papers, forcing his supporters to vote for another party. He indicated that he would approach the courts on the matter. </span><b>DM</b>",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/nMtRaYFN6fKZqEzTUAsbuZjs2PM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/9UvBotZ5BUxHvlkAuAKbVR0vbuo=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/tfbOBFQhg6lWRukF4yAVD-JaYw4=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/B_-PM5000gIGD1VdyOqEvyv6-qM=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/bw3AyJ9xfv2iz8hsYDvIO2mzasI=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/nMtRaYFN6fKZqEzTUAsbuZjs2PM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"url_medium": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/9UvBotZ5BUxHvlkAuAKbVR0vbuo=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"url_large": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/tfbOBFQhg6lWRukF4yAVD-JaYw4=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"url_xl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/B_-PM5000gIGD1VdyOqEvyv6-qM=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"url_xxl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/bw3AyJ9xfv2iz8hsYDvIO2mzasI=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC9104.jpg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "A selection of images after Daily Maverick spent several days in Lesotho covering its elections. The poll went ahead smoothly despite years of political instability.\r\n",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": null,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "Scenes from Maseru as residents cast their votes",
"search_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All was peace and calm on voting day in Lesotho on Friday, 7 October and no incidents were reported. People around Maseru are hopeful and optimistic that change will co",
"social_title": "Scenes from Maseru as residents cast their votes",
"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All was peace and calm on voting day in Lesotho on Friday, 7 October and no incidents were reported. People around Maseru are hopeful and optimistic that change will co",
"social_image": ""
},
"cached": true,
"access_allowed": true
} 
RFP supporters sing and dance outside the Mpilo Hotel in Maseru while they wait to be addressed by their leader a day after voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
An RFP supporter shouts from a taxi window while he and others make their way to listen to an address by their leader Sam Matekane. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
Lesotho’s RFP leader Sam Matekane shakes hands with a party member after the announcement that his party was on track to win a majority in parliament. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A polling station official, watched by party agents, holds a valid ballot as it is being tallied at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A polling station official shows an empty ballot box as the counting process is about to begin at the Life High School in Maseru after voting closed. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A polling station official walks with a valid ballot as its being counted at a voting station at the Life High School in Maseru after the closure of voting. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
Observer Raeesah Cassim Cachalia (right), in conversation with an IEC official (middle) and a fellow observer (left), photographed through the window of a polling station at the Life High School in Maseru. The voting in Lesotho went ahead without any incidents. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A woman receives her ballot paper before voting at a school in Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
Businessman-cum-politician Sam Matekane (partially in frame, to the left), leader of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), stands in front of a crowd of supporters. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A baby goat stares into the camera in Koro Koro, outside Maseru, on voting day, while three people look on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A young Basotho woman draped in a Sotho scarf poses for a portrait next to her goat in Koro Koro, outside Maseru on voting day. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A Lesotho IEC official watches as the counting of votes begins at Life High School In Maseru. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
Party agents go through a list of registered voters on voting day at a school in Maseru while an elderly woman looks on. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)
A polling station official at the Life High School in Maseru shows party agents the proof of the validity of a ballot before counting procedures for the vote begin. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)