Michael Denne/Wikipedia

A busy street in Maseru.

The recruitment process for new commissioners of Lesotho’s electoral commission has been halted by Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane. The action was taken after an application was filed to the high court questioning the constitutionality of the process.

The applicants challenged the "peculiar manner" in which an employment consulting firm was procured and cited other "irregularities" that have marred the process.

After hearing the different sides, Justice Sakoane ruled that the matter warranted judicial intervention. He also interdicted the commission from convening or holding any meetings aimed at "advising" His Majesty the King on the selection or appointment of commissioners, pending the finalization of the case.