Lesotho > General provisions

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Public Health (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 (2) (Legal Notice 41 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-05-06 | LSO-2020-R-110077

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Public Health (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 (Legal Notice 38 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-04-21 | LSO-2020-R-110076

Made under sections 16, 17, 18, 38 and 43 of the Public Health Act, 1970.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Declaration of COVID-19 State of Emergency Notice, 2020 (LN 26 of 2020). -

Adoption: 2020-03-27 | Date of entry into force: 2020-03-18 | LSO-2020-R-110074

Made pursuant to section 23(1) of the Constitution of Lesotho, the notices declares that a state of emergency exists throughout the Kingdom of Lesotho, in respect of the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Defines essential services, restricts movement of citizens with certain exceptions as stated.

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Lesotho Nutrition and Health System Strengthening Project (LNHSSP) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) -

Adoption: 2020 | LSO-2020-M-110797

Sets out the Health and Nutrition policy for Lesotho including the management and prevention of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Penal Code Act 2010 (Act No. 6 of 2012). -

Adoption: 2012-01-02 | Date of entry into force: 2012-03-09 | LSO-2012-L-91506

Lesotho are passing from a legal situation where criminal law was regulated under common law principles based on a Roman-Dutch system to a codified system. Most of the offences in the Code are a restatement of the common law principles applied prior to the Act.

Part I - General Provisions
Part II - General Principles of Criminal Liability
Part III - Offences against the Person
Part IV - Offences against Property
Part V - Offences against Administration and Public Order
Part VI - Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes [includes articles which touch on trafficking and forced labour]
Part VII - Acts of Terrorism and Related Offences
Part VIII - Defamation and Criminal Injuria
Part IX - Offences related to Marriage
Part X - Penalties

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Companies Regulations, 2012. -

Adoption: 2012 | LSO-2012-R-91510

Provides detailed rules for the implementation of the Companies Act 2011.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Companies Act, 2011 (Act No. 18 of 2011). -

Adoption: 2011-09-02 | LSO-2011-L-91507

An Act to provide for standard and adaptable requirements for the incorporation, organisation, operation and liquidation of companies; to define the relationship between companies and their shareholders, directors and creditors; to encourage efficient and responsible management of companies; to protect shareholders and creditors against abuse of management power; to provide for registration of external companies in Lesotho; to set out responsibilities of the Registrar of Companies and to provide for incidental matters.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Seventh Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2011 (Act No. 15 of 2011). -

Adoption: 2011-07-08 | LSO-2011-L-101097

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Sixth Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2011 (Act No. 13 of 2011). -

Adoption: 2011-06-10 | LSO-2011-L-101098

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Local Government Service Act, 2008 (Act No. 2 of 2008).

Adoption: 2008-01 | LSO-2008-L-81639

Part I - Preliminary
Part II - Local Government Service
Part III - Local Government
Part III - Local Government Service Commission
Part IV - Codes of Practice and Discipline
Part V - Settlement of Disputes
Part VI - Local Government Service Tribunal
Part VII - Miscellaneous [provides that an officer is entitled to freedom of association in accordance with Section 16(1) of the Constitution. They may form associations under the provisions of the Societies Act 1966 (Act No. 20 of 1966).

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Millennium Challenge Account Lesotho Authority Act 2008 (Act No. 1 of 2008). -

Adoption: 2008 | LSO-2008-L-81723

Part I - Preliminary
Part II - The Authority
Part III - The Board
Part IV - Management Unit
Part V - Stakeholders Committee
Part VI - Financial Provisions
Part VII - Fiscal and Procurement Agents
Part VIII - Miscellaneous

Establishes the Millennium Challenge Account, with the object to implement the Programme and projects to reduce poverty through economic growth in Lesotho as described in the Millennium Challenge Compact.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Environment Act, 2008 (No. 10 of 2008). -

Adoption: 2008 | LSO-2008-L-104009

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Poverty Reduction Strategy 2004-2005 / 2006-2007. -

Adoption: 2004 | LSO-2004-M-77845

Sets out the PRSP for Lesotho.

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Labour Code (Codes of Good Practice) Notice, 2003 (G.N. No. 4 of 2003). -

Adoption: 2003 | LSO-2003-M-108712

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Amendment) Act, 2002 (No. 10 of 2002).

Adoption: 2002-04-23 | LSO-2002-L-66165

Amends Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1981. Makes provision for power of court to detain, in custody, an accused person who is charged with murder, rape, robbery, stock theft and other serious offences. Also deals with some related matters.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

The Labour Appeal Court Rules, 2002 (Legal Notice No. 158 of 2002).

Adoption: 2002 | LSO-2002-R-65612

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Fourth Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2001 (No. 4 of 2001).

Adoption: 2001-03-15 | LSO-2001-L-66163

Amends Constitution to establish mixed member proportional electoral system for the election of members to the National Assembly. Also provides for greater independence for the Independent Electoral Commission, and sets forth provisions for the conduct of general elections.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Labour Code (Amendment) Act 2000 (Act No. 3 of 2000). -

Adoption: 2000-04-25 | LSO-2000-L-69831

Amends the Labour Code Order, 1992. Establishes an Industrial Relations Council, an Office of the Director of Dispute Prevention and Resolution, and provides for the appointment of the President and Deputy President of the Labour Court. In addition, sets forth various dispute resolution procedures including conciliation and arbitration, and establishes the obligation to bargain in good faith.

Lesotho - General provisions - Constitution

Third Amendment to the Constitution Act (No. 5 of 1998). -

Adoption: 1998 | LSO-1998-C-66960

Amends sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution (Police Service and Director-General of the National Securtiy Service).

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Amendment) Act 1998 (Act No. 10 of 1998). -

Adoption: 1998 | LSO-1998-L-91511

An Act to amend the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1981 so as to vest in the Courts jurisdiction to impose community service sentences as an option to custodial sentences and for related matters.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Independent Political Authority Act 1998 (Act No. 16 of 1998). -

Adoption: 1998 | LSO-1998-L-91512

An Act to establish an authority to facilitate and promote the preparation for the holding of the next general elections and for connected purposes.

Lesotho - General provisions - Constitution

Second Amendment to the Constitution Act, 1997 (No. 7 of 1997). -

Adoption: 1997-07-07 | LSO-1997-C-47644

Establishes an Independent Electoral Commission and abolishes the Constituency Delimination Commission and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. Reduces the prescribed age limit for a person to qualify to be registered as an elector to the National Assembly from 21 years to 18.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Labour Code (Amendment) Act 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997). -

Adoption: 1997 | LSO-1997-L-85002

The principal law is amended in section 2(2) (a) by inserting the following after subparagraph (iii)-
(i) National Security Service
(ii) Lesotho Prison Services

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Ombudsman Act 1996 (Act No. 9 of 1996).

Adoption: 1996-09-12 | LSO-1996-L-45798

Governs the terms of office of the Ombudsman as provided by Art. 134 of the Lesotho Constitution. Defines powers of the Ombudsman (including entry and inspection of premises) and procedures for filing a complaint with the Ombudsman.

Lesotho - General provisions - Constitution

First Amendment to the Constitution Act (No. 1 of 1996).

Adoption: 1996-03-29 | LSO-1996-C-52938

Repeals and replaces articles of the Constitution regarding the Defence Force, Courts-Martial Appeal Court, Police Force, and Prison Service.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Privatisation Act (No. 9 of 1995).

Adoption: 1995-11-08 | Date of entry into force: 1995-11-17 | LSO-1995-L-43302

Establishes a Privatisation Unit with the function of administering the privatisation of "parastatals" (corporations in which the government has direct or indirect ownership). Privatisation schemes may include selling of shares to the public or employee buy-outs.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Development Councils (Elections) Regulations, 1995 (L.N. No. 62 of 1995).

Adoption: 1995-06-08 | LSO-1995-R-43304

Sets forth regulations concerning the election of members of the Development Councils.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Labour Code (Exemption) Order, 1995 (No. 22 of 1995)

Adoption: 1995-02-03 | LSO-1995-R-40190

Provides that Part III, Division D and Part V of the Labour Code Order 1992 shall not apply to a public officer and revokes the Labour Code (Exemption Order, 1995 (L.N. No. 9 of 1995).

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act 1994 (No. 8 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-12-12 | LSO-1994-L-40116

Concerns freedom of speech in Parliament. No member of Parliament may be taken to court for anything he says or writes in Parliament in connection with parliamentary proceedings nor may he be arrested for any civil offence while going to, attending or returning from Parliament. Also regulates admission to Parliament, power to order attendance of witnesses, offences relating to attendance before Parliament and exercise of jurisdiction of courts.

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Development Councils (Amendment) Act 1994 (No. 7 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-12-09 | LSO-1994-L-40115

Amendments in respect of membership of Village Development Councils, Ward Development Councils and District Development Council, election of members of and dissolution of Development Councils.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Labour Court Rules, 1994 (L.N. No. 35 of 1994)

Adoption: 1994-04-05 | LSO-1994-R-37980

Sets out detailed procedural rules for the Labour Court, and specific functions of the Court such as the authority to resolve ambiguity in Court Awards or Decisions, to cancel employers' organization or trade union registrations, or to forbid continuance of action in furtherance of an unlawful strike or lockout.

Lesotho - General provisions - Constitution

The Constitution of Lesotho, 1993 (No. 5). -

Adoption: 1993-03-16 | Date of entry into force: 1993-04-02 | LSO-1993-C-56764

Establishes Lesotho as a "sovereign democratic kingdom" and requires the necessary "modification, adaptation, qualfication and exceptions" needed to bring all existing laws into conformity with its disciplines. Does not address the status of customary law. Chapter II provides for the protection of fundamental human rights, including, inter alia, freedom from slavery and forced labour, freedom of association and freedom from discrimination. Chapter III stipulates principles of state policy and provides for their enforcement "subject to the limits of the economic capacity and development ofthe country." Amongst the principles are: equality and justice, protection of health, promotion of education, opportunity to work, just and favourable conditions of work, protection of children and young persons, rehabilitation and training of the disabled, and protection of the environment. Chapter IX vests all land in the Basotho Nation and grants the king power to allocate interests or rights in and/or over it.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

National Assembly Election (Amendment) Order, 1993 (No. 1 of 1993)

Adoption: 1993-01-14 | Date of entry into force: 1993-01-15 | LSO-1993-R-32359

Provides for the Appropriate Executive Authority to specify an appropriate date for elections where elections have been postponed. This amendment provides that the date for the election cannot be more than 125 days from the original date.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

National Assembly Election (Amendment) (No. 3) Order, 1992 (No. 26 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-11-26 | LSO-1992-R-32356

Provides for additional time for the Chief Electoral Officer to process absent electors' ballots, clarifies that the presiding officer for absent electors does not have to issue a ballot paper to an absent elector immediatly after accepting that elector's application, and allows for the Appropriate Executive Authority to postpone an election while not specifying a date for the election at that stage.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

National Assembly Election (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 1992 (No. 20 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-09-28 | Date of entry into force: 1992-09-30 | LSO-1992-R-31923

Modifies the definition of "election notice" so that the date of publication of a notice specifying the nomination day is the relevant day for the beginning of the elections. Clarifies that the Chief Electoral Office need not amend the general register and electoral list during a period of general suspension of registration. Changes the period for lodging objections regarding the registration of an elector from 30 days to 15 days or such further period as the Chief Electoral Office may allow, and makes minor changes regarding how voting is to be conducted at polling stations.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

National Assembly Election (Amendment) Act (No. 2) Order, 1992 (No. 20 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-09-28 | Date of entry into force: 1992-09-30 | LSO-1992-R-32355

Changes the definition of "election notice", provides that the Chief Electoral Officer is not required to amend the general register and electoral list during a period of general suspension of registration in respect of a change of address of an elector, and provides for minor changes in how voting is to be conducted at a polling station.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

National Assembly Election Regulations, 1992 (L.N. No. 151 of 1992)

Adoption: 1992-07-21 | LSO-1992-R-31238

Provides the form for lodging objection to the registration of a person as an elector, election result form, particulars of candidates to be notified to the Chief Electoral Officer, prescribed particulars of candidates, form of application to vote as an absent elector, form of ballot account, place where an indelible mark is to be applied to an elector's hand and form for recording the votes counted at a polling station or the office of a returning officer.

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Labour Code Order 1992 (Order No. 24 of 1992) -

Adoption: 1992 | LSO-1992-R-31536

Provides for the amendment, consolidation and codification of laws relating to employment Part I: Preliminary Part II: Interpretation and fundamental provisions Part III: Administration and adjudication Part IV: Wage-fixing machinery Part V: Contracts of employment, termination, dismissal, severance pay Part VI: Protection of Wages Part VII: Health, safety and welfare at work Part VIII: Weekly rest, hours of work, holidays with pay, educational leave, sick leave Part IX: Employment of women, young persons and children Part X: Labour agents Part XI: Contracts of foreign service Part XII: Employment of non-nationals Part XIII: Trade union organisations and employers' organisations. Establishment and registration. Part XIV: Trade unions and employers' organisations. Membership, officers, rules Part XV: Unfair labour practices Part XVI: Property, funds and accounts of trade unions and employers' organisations Part XVII: Rights and liabilities of trade unions and employers' organisations Part XVIII: Settlement of trade disputes Part XIX: Strikes, lockouts and essential services Part XX: Picketing, intimidation and other matters related to trade disputes Part XXI: Miscellaneous, repeals and amendments

Repeals the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Law 1964 (No. 11 of 1964), the Employment Act 1967 (No.22 of 1967), the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes (Amendment) Act 1974 (No.5 of 1974), the Essential Services Arbitration Act 1975 (No.34 of 1975), the Employment (Amendment) Act 1977 (No. 14 of 1977), the Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act 1969 (No.35 of 1969), the Employment Act (Procedure) Rules 1970 (L.N, 27 of 1970), the Employment Act No.22 of 1967: Application to Public Officers (Government Notice 88 of 1967), the Trade Union and Trade Disputes (Amendment) Regulation 1984 (L.N. 94 of 1984) and the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Regulations 1964. The Wages and Conditions of Employment Order 1978 (L.N. 5 of 1978) is also repealed subject to the provisions of subsection (6) of section 79 of the Code regarding accrued severance pay.

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Declaration of State of Emergency Proclamation 1988. Legal Notice No. 156.

Adoption: 1988-08-23 | LSO-1988-M-7111

Declares a state of emergency with effect from 24 August 1988. Issued under the Emergency Powers Order 1988 (No. 4).

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Emergency Regulations 1988. Legal Notice No. 92.

Adoption: 1988-04-11 | LSO-1988-R-6881

Sets forth powers under a state of emergency. Revokes the Emergency Regulations 1988 (L.N. No. 82).

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Declaration of State of Emergency Proclamation 1988. Legal Notice No. 83.

Adoption: 1988-04-07 | LSO-1988-M-6880

Declares a state of emergency with effect from 8 Apr. 1988.

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Declaration of State of Emergency Proclamation 1988. Legal Notice No. 81.

Adoption: 1988-02-25 | LSO-1988-M-6794

Declares a state of emergency with effect from 25 Feb. 1988.

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Emergency Powers Order 1988. No. 4.

Adoption: 1988-02-24 | LSO-1988-M-6793

Provides for the declaration of a state of emergency for a period of up to six months, and sets forth the measures that may be taken thereunder. Repeals the Emergency Powers Act 1982 (No. 7).

Lesotho - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Trading Enterprises Regulations 1988. Legal Notice No. 30.

Adoption: 1988-02-12 | LSO-1988-R-6792

Requires a licence to engage in specified trades and occupations. Entry into force 2 Apr. 1988 (Legal Notice No. 72 of 1988, Government Gazette, Extraordinary, 1988-02-25, Vol. XXXIII, No. 12, p. 81).

Lesotho - General provisions - Law, Act

Human Rights Act, 1983 (Act No. 24 of 1983). -

Adoption: 1983-08-24 | LSO-1983-L-101100

Lesotho - General provisions - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Basutoland Prisons Proclamation (No. 30 of 1957).

Adoption: 1957-10-14 | LSO-1957-M-44536

Inter alia, allows the Court to employ a prisoner, with his consent, for work outside of prison.