Registered Political Parties in Lesotho Strengthen Electoral Knowledge Through BRIDGE Financing and Campaign Training

Registered political parties in Lesotho have come together for a structured four-day training programme focused on Political Parties Financing and Campaign Fund management. The workshop is part of the BRIDGE initiative and is led by the with technical and financial support from the Inclusive Elections Lesotho project. This initiative is implemented by the and funded by the . The programme brings together representatives from multiple political parties to strengthen understanding of electoral finance systems. It also aims to improve transparency in campaign funding and reinforce democratic practices in Lesotho. The training reflects ongoing efforts to build a more accountable and inclusive political environment.

Participants were officially welcomed by key representatives from international and national institutions who emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic systems. Among the speakers were , , and . They highlighted that political financing remains a critical area in ensuring fairness and integrity in elections. They also stressed that capacity building for political parties is essential for reducing gaps in knowledge that can lead to misuse of campaign funds. The speakers encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and apply the knowledge in their party structures. Their remarks set a clear tone for the importance of accountability and responsible political participation.

The training programme focuses on practical areas of political party financing, including fundraising rules, campaign expenditure controls, and reporting requirements. Participants are being guided through BRIDGE methodology, which is widely used internationally to support electoral professionals and political stakeholders. The sessions are designed to help parties understand how transparent financial systems can improve trust between voters and political organisations. It also encourages consistency in financial reporting, which helps electoral bodies monitor compliance more effectively. The inclusion of multiple stakeholders ensures that the learning process is shared across the political spectrum. This approach is expected to reduce financial mismanagement and improve the credibility of electoral processes in the country.

This initiative marks an important step in strengthening democratic governance in Lesotho through improved political finance systems and structured capacity building. The collaboration between , , and the demonstrates a shared commitment to transparent and credible elections. By equipping political parties with the right tools and knowledge, the programme aims to build long-term institutional capacity. It also reinforces the role of international cooperation in supporting democratic development in Lesotho. As the training continues over the four days, participants are expected to gain practical insights that will strengthen their internal systems. The overall goal is to support a more transparent, accountable, and stable political environment in the country.