Historical contemporary constitutional reality in Lesotho

The Lesotho Independence Order of 1966 became the constitution of Lesotho when the country gained its independence from Britain on 4 October 1966. Moshoeshoe II, paramount chief since 1960, was recognized as king. In January 1970 the constitution was suspended by Chief Leabua Jonathan, Prime Minister of Lesotho, because his party lost the first general election after independence. On 20 January 1986, the army toppled the Prime Minister and set up the existing military regime. After a historical description of chieftainship and monarchy in Lesotho the article describes in detail the political and constitutional conflicts that afflicted the country under the Leabua government and under the present military rule. It also pays attention to human rights in Lesotho. Notes, ref.