Government of Lesotho
3 national office holders, each linked to its source.
Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, has its capital at Maseru and a population of 2,363,325 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. King Letsie III (in office since 7 Feb 1996) is head of state; Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane is head of government. The legislature is the Parliament, a bicameral body with 122 seats in the National Assembly and 33 seats in the Senate. The most recent national election recorded by IFES ElectionGuide was held on 7 Oct 2022. The source lists the next national election as expected in October 2027. Elections are run by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Emmanuel Letete is listed as central bank governor. The directory below lists 21 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.
Parliament
Bicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook
| Chamber | Seats | Last election |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | 122 (all directly elected) | 2 Nov 2022 |
| Senate | 33 (11 appointed) | 7 Oct 2022 |
Cabinet
| Portfolio | Holder | Appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and National Security (The Right Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and National Security) | Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane | 28 Oct 2022 |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs | Nthomeng Majara | - |
| Minister of Health | Mamokete Ntsekhe | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Minister of Finance and Development Planning | Retselisitsoe Matlanyane | - |
| Minister of Education and Training | Ntoi Rapapa | - |
| Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development | Motlatsi Maqelepo | - |
| Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation | Nthati Moorosi | - |
| Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship (Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship) | Nkhethoa Seetsa | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations | Limpho Tau | - |
| Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition | Selibe Mochoboroane | - |
| Minister of Natural Resources | Mohlomi Moleko | - |
| Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development | Pitso Lesaoana | - |
| Minister of Public Works and Transport | Neo Matjato Moteane | - |
| Minister of Law and Justice | Richard Ramoeletsi | - |
| Minister of Energy and Mining | Lejone Mpotjoane | - |
| Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture | Mphuthi Mphuthi | - |
| Minister of Public Service | Moeketsi Motsoane | - |
| Minister of Environment and Forestry | Thabo Mofosi | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Minister of Home Affairs and Police | Voeswa Tsheka | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Minister of Labour and Employment | Tseliso Mokhosi | - |
| Minister in the Prime Minister's Office | 'Makatleho Motsoasele | 29 Apr 2026 |
Sources: gov.ls (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).
List as of 9 Oct 2026.
Parliament, courts and independent offices
| Office | Holder | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Central bank governor | Emmanuel Letete | - |
Sources: CIA World Factbook, World Leaders list dated 5 Jun 2026.
Lesotho election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028
Next national election: Due by 2027, parliamentary election.
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due by 2027 | Parliamentary election | Due | - | - |
Sources: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).