Report on National Assembly Electoral Bill, 2026

PARLIAMENT OF KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

SENATE

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

REPORT ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026

REPORT N0:  14                                                                               JUNE 2026

PART I

1.0. INTRODUCTION

The National Assembly Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was referred to the Legislation Committee on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. Pursuant to Standing Order 51 (3), the Bill was then transmitted to the Legislation Committee for consideration.

The report presents a summary of the Committees deliberations and recommendations on the Bill.

PART II

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE

The terms of reference of the Legislation Committee are provided as follows in Standing Orders (90):

  • There shall be established under this Standing Order a Legislation Committee which shall continue for the term of the Senate.
  • The Legislation Committee shall, in accordance with these Standing Orders:-
  • Consider bills, subordinate laws tabled in accordance with section 27A of the Interpretation Act No. 19 of 1977 as amended, or other matters which are referred to it by the President or by resolution of the Senate;
  • Consider and investigate the constitutionality, legality, conflicting provisions and offensiveness of bills or subordinate laws or any provision thereof; and
  • Perform other functions, tasks and duties as may be resolved by the Senate.
  • The Legislation Committee may:-
  • Call for papers, hear oral evidence, which may, by resolution of the committee, be recorded and transcribed;
  • Consult and liaise with Government ministries and departments;
  • Ensure the attendance of any person at a meeting of the committee in terms of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act of 1994; and
  • Establish sub-committees
  • Upon conclusion of business laid down for their consideration, the legislation Committee must adopt a report and may make recommendations to the Senate, which shall then take final decisions.

2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

1.       Hon. Senator S. Motsamai                            Chairperson

2.       Hon. Senator K.L.K. Theko

3.       Hon. Senator B.G.  Api

4.       Hon. Senator M. Kanetsi

5.       Hon. Senator Dr. T. Lebese

6.       Hon. Senator L.M.  Seeiso

7.       Hon. Senator M.M. Moshoeshoe

8.       Hon. Senator T. D.  Bereng

9.       Hon. Senator P.L.P.  Peete

10.     Hon. Senator S.B. Seeiso

11.     Hon. Senator L. Khoaele

12.     Hon. Senator M.T Mohale

13.     Hon. Senator J.A. Motšoene

14.     Hon. Senator S.S. Nkuebe

3.0 SECRETARIAT

Ms. ‘Maliako Lehloenya                                 Committee Clerk

Mr. Steven Mokoaqo                                      Committee Clerk

Mrs. ‘Maseephephe Matete (Adv.)                 Chief Legal Officer

Mr. Tsěliso Papiso (Adv.)                               Legal officer

PART III

4.0 OPERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee deliberates on the Bills referred from the National Assembly in line Standing Order 51 and Subordinate laws referred in accordance with Section 27B of the Interpretation (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 1993.

PART IV

5.0 STAKEHOLDERS SUBMISSIONS

On Tuesday the 2nd June 2026, the Committee invited the Ministry Justice and Law together with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to provide a brief on the Bill.

5.1 INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (IEC) AND THE MINISTRY

It was presented that purpose of the Bill, is to amend the National Assembly Electoral Act, 2011. The Bill provides for the registration of electors using the National Identity Document. This is intended to empower the Independent Electoral Commission to register the electors afresh and archive the existing electors’ register. The Bill further mandates the Chiefs, Headmen and the Director of the National Identity and Civil Registry to inform the Director of Elections of any death of an elector when so required.

Clause 1 is the short tittle and commencement of the Bill. Clause 2 introduces the achieving of the electors roll. Clause 3 removes obligation to register and add a new section empowering the Commission to register electors outside the country. Clause 4 introduces a subsection that indicates that the Commission may register qualifying citizens who are legally resident in other countries. Clause 5 of the Bill amends Section 6 of the Principal Law by introducing registration with Identity Documents (ID) as a primary proof of identity. Clause 6 of the Bill mandates the Chief and Headman in whose are an elector was registered or NICR to inform the Director of Elections of the death when so required. Clause 7 introduces National Identity Card as one of the Documents that can be used for registration. Clause 8 introduces new words “an agent” to the list of voter for voters to vote where they are deployed within their constituencies.

PART V

6.0 OBSERVATIONS

  • The Committee acknowledges that there is need to register electors afresh and applauded the IEC’s initiative of enacting the Bill.

7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

  • That the Bill be passed and come into operation to allow the IECto register the electors afresh and archive the existing electors register.

8.0 CONCLUSION

Subject to Standing Order 52 (3), the Legislation Committee wishes to submit the Report on the National Assembly Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for adoption by the House.