Political system

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, King Letsie III is the Head of State playing an important ceremonial role. The Prime Minister is Mr. Sam Matekane (Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane). He began as the Head of Government with full executive powers in October 2022. There are two houses of parliament namely the Senate (total 33 members) which consists of 22 principal chiefs and 11 members nominated by the King with the advice of the Prime Minister and the National Assembly (Lower House) consisting of 120 members, 80 of which are elected by popular vote and the remaining 40 by proportional representation.

The constitution provides for an independent judicial system. The judiciary is made up of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, Magistrate's Courts, local courts and traditional courts. The latter exist predominantly in rural areas and at this level the court cases are presided by the chiefs.