The electoral system and the legitimacy of representation in a democracy: a plea for reform in Lesotho

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Periodical article

Title:	The electoral system and the legitimacy of representation in a democracy: a plea for reform in Lesotho
Author:	Mahao, Nqosa Leuta
Year:	1997
Periodical:	Lesotho Law Journal: A Journal of Law and Development
Volume:	10
Issue:	2
Pages:	243-258
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Lesotho
Subjects:	democracy electoral systems
Abstract:	The appropriateness of the first-past-the-post system for the election of parliamentary representatives in Lesotho has increasingly become a subject of debate. The present article considers the salient features of the first-past-the-post system in order to assess its impact on the legitimation of democratic representation in Lesotho. It also critiques some of the propositions currently being considered by the Interim Political Authority in its effort to design an electoral system suited to the needs of the country. Finally, it advocates the adoption of simple proportional representation as an appropriate system given Lesotho's socioeconomic and political pressures. Notes, ref.