Theko Tlebere
In recent weeks, Lesotho has been shaken by alarming claims regarding the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in politics. The controversy began with allegations that Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara were depicted inappropriately through digitally manipulated images. Shortly after, the Alliance for Democrats (AD) retracted a widely circulated circular that had been created using AI. While these incidents may appear isolated, they reveal a troubling trend: the increasing use of AI to manipulate information and distort public perception. This trend raises profound questions about the integrity of our political discourse and the very foundations of democracy.
Prime Minister Matekane’s government has been in power for three years, with two years remaining until the next election. This is the critical final lap of governance that demands a focus on service delivery and the pursuit of tangible outcomes for the citizens of Lesotho. However, rather than engaging in discussions about policy outcomes or development priorities, the political landscape is inundated with falsehoods and fabricated scandals. Opposition parties recognise the significance of this moment; as the election approaches, efforts to undermine and destabilise the ruling coalition intensify. In this context, AI, whether wielded by opposition parties or unscrupulous actors, is emerging as a potent weapon that can distort reality and manipulate public sentiment.
While AI holds great potential, it also poses unsettling risks. The technology can produce hyper-realistic images, videos, and documents that are indistinguishable from genuine ones. These so-called “deepfakes” can fabricate events, impersonate institutions, or create convincing false communications that mislead the public. In Lesotho, a single manipulated image or fake circular can quickly spread across platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, misleading thousands before any official correction is issued. This results in confusion, anger, and mistrust, conditions that no emerging democracy can afford if it hopes to thrive and maintain a cohesive society.
The danger lies not only in the misinformation itself but also in its capacity to distract the government from its core responsibilities. Every moment spent addressing fabrications is time lost in delivering services, creating jobs, and implementing the reforms that citizens expect and deserve. A government nearing the end of its term must be proactive, strategic, and resilient against digital manipulation. The temptation to react emotionally to every viral image must be resisted; instead, the administration should communicate clearly, factually, and consistently about its achievements and plans for the future.
The use of AI for political deception is not unique to Lesotho; countries worldwide are grappling with how to manage and regulate this rapidly evolving technology. However, the stakes are particularly high for us. As a small nation where information travels rapidly and trust is fragile, rural citizens often rely on word of mouth for news and information. When an AI-generated image circulates, many cannot verify its authenticity. Awareness is crucial. Individuals must learn to question what they see and hear online. When encountering sensational or divisive messages, the instinct should be to pause, verify, and seek confirmation from credible sources, whether official statements, reputable media, or trusted community voices. As my uncle from Ha Khohlopo once noted, “In our villages, a rumour can travel faster than the wind.” In the age of AI, that wind has turned into a storm that threatens to uproot the very fabric of our society.
For the government, the final two years present an opportunity to solidify its legacy. This period should be viewed as a defining stretch of its administration, an opportunity to showcase results, communicate progress, and restore public confidence. Focus must remain on delivering infrastructure, healthcare, education, and jobs, rather than managing scandals that distract us from the pressing needs of the populace. Transparency should serve as a defence against misinformation. When false statements arise, they must be addressed swiftly and publicly, without allowing them to derail policy priorities or erode the trust that is essential for effective governance. This is also the time to invest in digital governance, establish ethical AI frameworks, and enhance media literacy among citizens to empower them against misinformation.
AI, like any tool, is not inherently harmful. When used responsibly, it can foster development, improve service delivery, and enhance governance. However, when exploited for political gain, it threatens democracy and stability. The government must lead by example, setting standards and safeguards that protect citizens from deception and uphold truth in public discourse. The next two years should focus on building rather than battling, demonstrating to Basotho that technology can serve progress, not politics.
Ultimately, Lesotho’s success hinges on our ability to distinguish truth from fabrication and concentrate on the real issues affecting our daily lives. The government has a duty to guide the nation away from distraction and towards meaningful delivery. Citizens, in turn, must develop a habit of digital skepticism. We cannot allow artificial intelligence to dictate our emotions, our votes, or our future. If the government approaches these remaining years as the final lap with clarity, discipline, and purpose, it can cross the finish line with dignity and maintain the trust of the people. In that lies the true victory, one that no fabricated image or false circular can ever erase. The future is NOW!
Summary
- This is the critical final lap of governance that demands a focus on service delivery and the pursuit of tangible outcomes for the citizens of Lesotho.
- In this context, AI, whether wielded by opposition parties or unscrupulous actors, is emerging as a potent weapon that can distort reality and manipulate public sentiment.
- ” In the age of AI, that wind has turned into a storm that threatens to uproot the very fabric of our society.
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