CONTRARY to the belief that traditional leadership might cease to be of relevance in a democratic dispensation, Basotho would like to see the influence of traditional leaders increasing.

The institution continues to enjoy legitimacy in the country where democracy falls far short of the promises made ever so regularly in step with the election schedule.

Traditional leaders who are typically at the coalface of service delivery and local governance, beat elected leaders when it comes to popular trust and job performance.

This is according to a recent survey conducted by afrobarometer. Its findings indicate that in fact, Basotho would like to see the influence of traditional leaders increase because they pay more attention than elected officials to the views and interests of local citizens. 

“They are more widely trusted than elected officials and seen as less prone to corruption. Indeed, a majority of Basotho would favour an even stronger role for traditional leaders, who they say look out for the interests of their communities and work in cooperation, rather than in competition with elected leaders,” the survey reveals.

Most Basotho see traditional leaders as highly influential in resolving disputes and governing their local community, but few say they carry much weight in affecting how people vote in elections.

Almost two-thirds, about 64 percent of Basotho approve of the job their traditional leaders are doing, a far better performance rating than they give their community councilors, Members of Parliament and even the Prime Minister.

Six in 10 Basotho (61 percent) support an increased level of influence for traditional leaders in the governing of local communities.

Majority (52 percent) of respondents say traditional leaders often do their best to listen to what ordinary people have to say, a far more positive assessment than they give community councilors (25 percent) and MPs (8 percent).