I n an attempt to resolve the political and security challenges hounding Lesotho, Cyril Ramaphosa, SA’s deputy president, encouraged the leadership to hold general elections two years earlier than scheduled. of African Governance, a survey used to measure and assess good governance and policy outcomes across the continent. Lesotho’s second ever coalition was quickly cobbled together after the closely fought snap election on February 28, 2015. The early election was expected to ease tensions and resolve the political tensions that had intensified through 2014. Unfortunately the same friction that drove the acrimonious breakdown of government in 2014, threatened the new government as well. Section 14 (1) of the Constitution of Lesotho clearly provides for freedom of expression, which covers among other issues, freedom to receive, communicate and exchange ideas and information without interference. Despite this provision, the environment for practicing freedom of expression is hampered by existing laws such as Official Secrets Acts, Sedition Law and the Internal Security (General) Act. The political turmoil has interfered with the journalists’ ability to operate and has led to heightened polarization in the media. No meaningful media reforms have taken place in the country over the years. Although the first ever coalition government had declared government’s intention to adopt media reforms in 2014, political instability and dissolution of parliament stalled this process and even after the election in 2015 ushering in a new coalition, there was no progress. The Lesotho media was put to the test during the coverage of its elections which was marked by uncritical reporting and political patronage. Additionally, a climate of fear and culture of impunity developed as journalists were threatened and attacked. The government also wanted to ban social media amid the continuing political turmoil in the country. It was not all gloom and doom, as the country saw the establishment of new radio stations and a weekly newspaper. Going forward, Lesotho needs to develop a strong ethical and professional media that promote the public interest. Notwithstanding the alleged coup attempt in 2014 – Lesotho is still regarded as a democratic country. The country ranks in the top 10 of the Ibrahim Index 28 So This is Democracy? 2015 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Legal Framework Citizens still do not have a legal right of access to government information as no freedom of information act has been adopted. Media freedom organisations and human rights NGOs have been fighting for over 15 years for enactment of the Access and Receipt of Information Bill, passed by Parliament in 2000, but without success. Freedom of expression received a boost in 2015 with the increase of radio stations from thirteen to twenty four and the introduction of another weekly newspaper to the existing seven. Sadly, the country still has no daily newspapers.