Maseru — A joint press release from foreign election observers has called on the Basotho people to accept the outcome of Saturday's elections, and to await the final results in "spirit of national unity, peace and solidarity."

The African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa issued the following statement on Sunday:

The Election Observer Missions of SADC, AU, Commonwealth and EISA to the 2012 Lesotho Parliamentary Elections, headed by Her Excellency Ambassador Zodwa Lallie, His Excellency General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, His Excellency Dr. Bakili Muluzi, and His Excellency Mr. Rupiah Banda, respectively, have observed the voting and counting processes in all ten districts of the country, and are currently following the tallying of results at constituency level.

We are delighted that the voting and counting took place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and that the Basotho electors demonstrated commendable enthusiasm for, and strong commitment to their democratic process by turning out in significant numbers to cast their vote in a peaceful manner.

We would like to commend the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho for the professional and efficient manner in which they managed the entire electoral process, in particular the logistics of voting day.

We noted with satisfaction the outstanding and dedicated participation and performance of women and youth as electoral officials and party agents in the polling stations.

We call on all the stakeholders of the Lesotho electoral process to await the conclusion of the process with the same spirit of national unity, peace and solidarity.

We further urge all stakeholders to accept the outcome of the elections with serenity, and in full respect for the Constitution of Lesotho and the democratic process.

A special responsibility lies with the political leaders of Lesotho to continue to abide by their pre- election commitments to peace.