20th century – 20th century
Lesotho
Lesotho’s post-independence political crisis began with Chief Jonathan’s narrow victory in the 1965 pre-independence elections and intensified after a confrontation with the young king over the civil service and police. Following defeat by the Congress Party in 1970, Jonathan refused to concede, seized power in an illegal coup, and survived a failed counter-coup in 1974. Opposition figures faced violence, executions or imprisonment, while the king was reduced to a largely titular role.
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The Story
Chief Jonathan won Lesotho’s pre-independence elections in 1965 with a minority of the vote. He immediately faced a challenge from the young king, who sought to preserve some independence for the civil service and police when independence arrived. A confrontation over a royal Pitso ended with the police obeying Jonathan’s orders and preventing people from gathering, effectively curtailing the king’s power while leaving him titular head of the nation.
In 1970, Jonathan was defeated at the polls by the Congress Party. Rather than concede defeat, he seized power illegally in a coup. The episode transformed an electoral contest into a prolonged authoritarian crisis and placed the constitutional order under severe strain.
A counter-coup failed in 1974. Ntsu Mokhehle, the Congress Party leader, escaped to Botswana, while many political opponents were beaten or killed. Others were found guilty of high treason and imprisoned for several years, demonstrating the coercive character of the regime that emerged from the disputed transfer of power.
20th century – 20th century
Lesotho
Lesotho’s post-independence political crisis began with Chief Jonathan’s narrow victory in the 1965 pre-independence elections and intensified after a confrontation with the young king over the civil service and police. Following defeat by the Congress Party in 1970, Jonathan refused to concede, seized power in an illegal coup, and survived a failed counter-coup in 1974. Opposition figures faced violence, executions or imprisonment, while the king was reduced to a largely titular role.
Continue exploring
The Story
Chief Jonathan won Lesotho’s pre-independence elections in 1965 with a minority of the vote. He immediately faced a challenge from the young king, who sought to preserve some independence for the civil service and police when independence arrived. A confrontation over a royal Pitso ended with the police obeying Jonathan’s orders and preventing people from gathering, effectively curtailing the king’s power while leaving him titular head of the nation.
In 1970, Jonathan was defeated at the polls by the Congress Party. Rather than concede defeat, he seized power illegally in a coup. The episode transformed an electoral contest into a prolonged authoritarian crisis and placed the constitutional order under severe strain.
A counter-coup failed in 1974. Ntsu Mokhehle, the Congress Party leader, escaped to Botswana, while many political opponents were beaten or killed. Others were found guilty of high treason and imprisoned for several years, demonstrating the coercive character of the regime that emerged from the disputed transfer of power.