President of Mozambique and one of the guarantors of the December 3, 1998 agreement which, amongst others led to the establishment of Interim Political Authority (IPA), Joaqim Chissano paid a one-day visit to Lesotho on February 19, 2002.
Addressing a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, he disclosed that he had come to Lesotho to assess preparations so far made for general elections.
Chissano pointed out that during his short visit he met with government, leaders of political parties, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the IPA.
He appealed to different political parties to accept the outcome of elections to avoid unfortunate incidences that took place in 1998. "We came here because we do not want any conflict to arise from the electoral process.. We do not want any conflict to arise at the end of the electoral process when the results are announced," he added.
He emphasized the importance of constant dialogue in finding solutions to Lesotho's political problems further imploring on Basotho to forget the events of 1998 and focus more on the reconstruction of the country and the building of true democracy.
Chissano also briefed members of Parliament on the progress of the dialogue aimed at achieving peace in the strife torn Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
Despite international fears that Zimbabwean elections in March may not be free and fair, Chissano expressed optimism that the election processes in Zimbabwe will go smoothly.
"President Mugabe has assured us that he is going to continue to work towards free and fair elections. Efforts are being made both by Zimbabweans themselves and by us to guarantee that these elections are free and fair," he added.
He indicated that, "if things go wrong in Zimbabwe, the whole region will suffer. If things go wrong in Lesotho, the whole of our region will have to bear the consequences."
Adding a word of welcome, the Leader of official opposition Lesotho People's Congress, Kelebone Maope said since Lesotho is going through a transitional period towards democracy she needs the support of sister countries in the region.
He pointed that the process of elections that Lesotho is going through is very important and needs urgent attention and support from all of the region.
