South Africa 'on alert'

2007-02-15 19:33

Maseru - Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota has offered South Africa's help to Lesotho for its election on Saturday.

"This is... within the spirit of the general co-operation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance democracy in our region," said Lekota after talks with Lesotho's deputy prime minister Lesao Lehohla in Maseru on Thursday.

The assistance would be logistical and technical.

Lekota said South Africa would provide three military helicopters - more if the need arose - to carry election material to those areas inaccessible by road.

Vigilance on the borders also would be strengthened to ensure nothing marred the election. "We do not want to leave anything to chance," said Lehohla.

While no South African troops would be sent to Lesotho, save for those flying the helicopters, Lekota said South Africa would be on the alert to render aid if anything threatened the smooth running of the election.

Front-runners in the election are the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) and the newly-formed All Basotho Convention (ABC).

- SAPA