State set to replace IEC Commissioners

Ending hopes for second term

MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO
MASERU – The leadership of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is on the brink of a major overhaul, with the current chairperson and commissioners unlikely to have their contracts renewed after their terms expire in December.

IEC chairperson, Mphasa Mokhochane, and Commissioners Dr Karabo Mokobocho-Mohlakoana and Tšoeu Petlane, who began their five-year terms in 2020, publicly declared their interest in a second term this past July. Mokhochane, acknowledging a “vulnerable and unprecedented” situation when he found the commission vacant in 2020, expressed a “vivid feeling that sad history will repeat itself” if a smooth transition isn’t managed.

However, a decisive meeting of political parties on July 28 has set a new course. Leaders collectively agreed to initiate a fresh recruitment process for new commissioners, effectively closing the door on the incumbents’ hopes for renewal.

Basotho National Party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, confirmed the development, stating, “It is true… the recruitment process will start, and the agency hiring firm will be evaluated by us.” He emphatically added, “It’s just a formality; we are going to continue with the hiring.”

Advocate Lekhetho Rakuoane, the representative overseeing the process, confirmed he is awaiting official communication from either the Attorney General or King Letsie III’s Senior Private Secretary to begin the public call for new candidates.

This move to replace the commission follows a period of intense scrutiny. The IEC’s credibility was damaged by a significant mishap in allocating proportional representation (PR) seats following the 2023 elections. The commission admitted to erroneously awarding three PR seats to the Democratic Congress (DC) and one to the Alliance of Democrats (AD).

To correct the error, the IEC was forced to petition the High Court to reallocate the four seats. Consequently, Tefo Mapesela (BPP), ‘Masetota Leshota (BNP), Tota Mohlominyane (UFC) and Reverend Paul Masiu (LPC) were sworn in as Members of Parliament in April 2023, replacing the incorrectly seated MPs from the DC and AD.

This error appears to be a key factor behind the political consensus to seek new leadership for the nation’s pivotal electoral body.