THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO COMBINED SECOND TO EIGHTH PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA OTHERP ARTIES Indepen 30 143 173 - 30 14 d ants Elected 173 17 - - - - - 3 45 108 153 627 649 1276 29 - - - 282 54 823 Chiefs Total 298 1 % 49 51 49 34 66 34 100 100 Source: Compiled from the IEC Database, 2011 and MLGC information. Compiled by Matseliso Mapetla, National University of Lesotho. 403. Women’s low representation in the local government has been attributed to multifaceted barriers deeply rooted in the institutional structures, cultural ideologies, religion, social norms as well as socialisation. The institutional barriers include failure of political parties to norminate women councillors. The other factor is low education background of women councillors which makes it difficult for them to understand the language used in project documents, procedures and regulations which finally make women reluctant to participate as candidates in local government elections. Women in the judiciary 404. The highest Court in Lesotho is the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is not permanent as it sits for only two session per year. Judges of the Court of Appeal are also not 141