Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) took an early lead in Lesotho's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released on Sunday.

Of the 19 constituencies where vote counts were completed, the ABC won in 16 constituencies, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said.

There are still 61 constituencies where votes remain to be counted. Final results are expected by Thursday.

Preliminary results showed that the Democratic Congress (DC), led by former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, came in second after the ABC.

Voters in Lesotho went to the polls on Saturday for an early election designed to end a political impasse in the country.

The election was held about two years ahead of schedule under a political deal brokered by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Twenty-four parties are vying for support among the 1.2 million registered voters in the country, which is surrounded by South Africa.

Voting went smoothly despite fears for acts of violence. Early this month, a security guard of Thabane was killed and two soldiers were wounded in a shooting incident.

Rival political parties have accused each other of fomenting tension before the elections.

Tension remains as the country waits to see what happens after final results are announced.