Moroke Sekoboto
THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has clarified that it is not responsible for the appointment of its commissioners, stressing that the process remains the sole responsibility of political parties.
This follows numerous inquiries from the media and the public questioning the IEC’s involvement in the appointment process, which the Commission believes are politically motivated.
Speaking at a press conference held this week at the IEC headquarters, the Commission’s Media Liaison Officer, ‘Marafaele Mohloboli, said politicians are the ones mandated to make recommendations for appointment.
“The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho would like to express its concern over the circulation of false information on social media regarding the appointment of the Commissioners,” Ms Mohloboli said.
“We would like to make it clear that the IEC is not responsible for appointing Commissioners. It is the responsibility of politicians who make recommendations for appointment. The IEC only starts working with Commissioners after they have been duly appointed and have assumed office.”
Ms Mohloboli dismissed as false the claims suggesting that the IEC plays any role in the appointment process, emphasising that the Commission’s involvement begins only after the official appointments have been made.
She further reiterated that while the IEC is not involved in the appointment process, it remains duty-bound to provide civic education on all election-related matters.
“It is important to emphasise that the IEC has the responsibility and obligation to provide civic education on all matters related to elections. Wherever possible, we clarify issues to ensure that the public is well-informed — not to influence or interfere with the process, as some may think,” she added.
Meanwhile, IEC Director of Legal Services, Advocate Lehlohonolo Suping, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to independence, impartiality, accountability, and transparency.
He noted that the IEC continues to ensure that all registered political parties comply with the Commission’s regulations.
Adv Suping revealed that there are currently 49 political parties registered with the IEC. However, nine of them have been issued letters for failing to provide the required information and risk being deregistered.
“We are mandated to register political parties and enforce compliance with IEC regulations. We are also mandated to deregister political parties that are non-compliant. We have already removed some from the list,” Adv Suping said.
“In January, we requested political parties to disclose their membership lists, and in April, we started sampling the numbers. We are still in that process. We have nine parties under review, and if they fail to comply, we will proceed with deregistration.”
Also speaking at the press briefing, IEC Manager of Electoral Operations, Motloai Sekoala, announced that there are eight vacant seats in several community and urban councils, for which preparations are underway to hold by-elections.
The affected councils include Maoamafubelu and Menkhoaneng in Leribe, Macoabating in Mafeteng, two urban councils in Quthing, Thaba-Tseka Urban Council, and Seate 07 and 13 in Mokhotlong.
The current IEC Commissioners are; Chairperson Mphasa Mokhochane, Karabo Mokobocho-Mohlakoana and Tšoeu Petlane. Their contracts expire in December this year and the process of appointing their replacements has already been started by the Forum of Registered Political Parties.
