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Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane announced that he will contest next year's elections. He maintains that the elections were brought forward after a coup attempt.
Lesotho's political parties have agreed to organize elections for February 2015, more than two years early. Some see the elections as an effort to resolve the crisis between rival parties in the current coalition government.
South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has served as mediator to this political crisis, announced the early elections. He said the exact date in February 2015 would be decided by Lesotho's King Letsie III.
Thabane expressed that he no longer has issue with the army. He previously accused the army of trying to oust him. The division between parties in the coalition government is said to have polarized Lesotho's security forces.
Mr. Thabane is reportedly supported by the police. However, the army is suspected to be in allegiance with Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing.
Thabane has served as Prime Minister for the unity government since the elections in May 2012. He suspended parliament sessions in June to avoid a vote of no confidence. Thabane temporarily took refuge in South Africa after he accused Metsing and the Lesotho army of plotting a coup again him. He returned to Lesotho in September escorted by South African police.
Lesotho, which is surrounded by South Africa, has experienced several coups since its independence in 1966.
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