IEC PR manager suspended, again

 
‘MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU – Tuoe Hantši, the Public Relations Manager of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has been suspended with immediate effect as of May 8, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.  In the suspension letter addressed to Hantši, the IEC confirmed that he has been temporarily relieved of his duties while the inquiry proceeds.

The document emphasized that the suspension is a “standard administrative procedure aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the Commission’s internal processes.”

It further clarified that the action “does not constitute a determination of guilt or wrongdoing.” 

The IEC has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the investigation. However, the move underscores the Commission’s commitment to upholding accountability within its operations. 

The letter further states that during the suspension period, Hantši’s responsibilities will be temporarily assigned to the Manager for Civic and Voter Education.

“The Commission assures the public that all communication-related duties will continue without interruption,” it states.

In a brief interview with Public Eye last night, Hantši confirmed his suspension whose duration he said has not been stipulated.

“It is true that the director has suspended me but he has not shown for how long I have been suspended,” Hantši said.

He went on to say “what surprises me is that he suggests I have been suspended because I had inquired of his whereabouts from a security guard.”

However, much could be read into Hantši’s suspension, with a close Public Eye source revealing that there is presently a case of improper procurement within the IEC that is being investigated by the police.

Effort to a comment from the Director of Elections, proved futile until going to print.

This is Hantši’s second suspension from IEC, he was on March 20, 2012, kicked out for allegedly failing to perform his duties and disobeying orders.

It was alleged that Hantši had published the IEC’s 2012 election logo without approval and had commented on local radio station, Mo-Afrika FM, without the consent of his bosses.

Hantši was also charged for misleading the public when he allegedly told LENA, a government controlled Agency that there were 19 registered political parties in Lesotho.

He had also allegedly formatted an IEC advert without approval. The advert appeared in different forms in different newspapers and he was blamed for the mishap.

After being suspended from March, in November 2012, Hantši resumed his duty after a disciplinary panel threw out the Commission’s case against him.

The panel felt there was no evidence to substantiate the charges against him.